Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI, USA
Public
4 Year

Overview

Established in 1903, Western Michigan University is a four-year public university in Kalamazoo. WMU is home to eight colleges and schools as well as Lee Honors College—the oldest honors college in the nation. Unique to Western, WMU Signature integrates out-of-class learning experiences and on-campus engagement to focus a student’s purpose in one of eight areas, such as entrepreneurship, social justice or sustainability. For sports fans, Western Michigan fields 16 men’s and women’s Division I sports teams known as the Broncos.

Acceptance Rate:
85%
Average Net Price:
$20,183
Campus Setting:
Small city
Average GPA
3.5
Average ACT Composite
25
Average SAT Composite
1092

Virtual Tour

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability & Cost

Average Net Price
$20,183
Calculate your net cost
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.
$15,252
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.
$19,034
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$12,174
Books and Supplies
$1128
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$9,557
$30k - $48k
$10,010
$48k - $75k
$18,710
$75k - $110k
$23,468
$110k+
$25,313
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
63%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
91%
Average Aid Per Year
$8,217
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
91%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,418
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$6,531

 

Students receiving state aid
4%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$1605
Students receiving federal aid
27%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,418
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$19,098
$30k - $48k
$18,645
$48k - $75k
$9,945
$75k - $110k
$5,187
$110k+
$3,342
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$65,449,655
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$17,764,929

Student Loans

Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
53%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$8,346
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$26,188
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$278
Students receiving federal loans
52%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,164
Average Other Loans Per Year
$16,319

 

Admissions

Key Admissions Stats

Institution Type
Public
  • Not for Profit
  • Coed

Need Aware

This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission

Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
0
100
85%
Acceptance Rate
21701
Students Applied
78%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
1597
Transfer Students Admitted

Admissions Requirements

SAT
SAT is not checked
No
ACT
ACT is not checked
No
Transcript
Transcript is checked
Yes
Test Optional
Item is checked
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
Item is not checked
No
AP Course Credit
Item is checked
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Item is checked
Yes

Important Deadlines

Application TypeApplication DeadlineReply Deadline
Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier.December 15
Fall Regular DecisionJune 1May 1
Spring Regular DecisionJanuary 1

Rolling Admissions

The college has rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted any time throughout the year.

Application Fee
$40
Fee waivers available
Applications Accepted
Common Application
Common Application
Online Application
Online Application

Admitted Student Stats

In-State Students
82%
Out-Of-State Students
18%
5%
Submitting ACT
54%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 25
0
36
Average SAT Composite: 1092
0
1600
SAT Percentiles

Math
25th
470
75th
600
Reading
25th
500
75th
620
3.5
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA

3.75+
39%
3.50 - 3.74
17%
3.25 - 3.49
14%
3.00 - 3.24
13%
2.50 - 2.99
15%
2.00 - 2.49
2%
Students Enrolled By Class Rank

Top 10%
17
Top 25%
41
Top 50%
76
Students Enrolled By Household Income

< $30k
247
$30k - $48k
201
$48k - $75k
173
$75k - $110k
195
$110k+
465

Admissions Resources

Admissions: visit page
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Telephone: 269-387-2000
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page

Academics

Key Academic Stats

Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
17,605
Total Number of Undergrads
13,860
0
100
33%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
58%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
16:1
US National: 21:1
Academic Calendar

Semester

Non Traditional Learning
  • Online Classes
  • Online Undergrad Degrees
  • Summer Sessions
  • Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
  • Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
  • ROTC Army
  • ROTC Air Force
  • Study Abroad
  • Honors Program
  • Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes

2-19 Students
47%
20-39 Students
41%
40-99 Students
9%
100+ Students
1%
 

Degrees and Majors

MAJORS
220

Faculty Overview

0
100
77%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Male
Female
Ethnicity

African American
Asian/Pacific Islander
White
Hispanic
Multi-Racial
Unknown

Campus Life

Key Campus Stats

Student Gender
Male
Female
48%
52%
Residency
In-State Students
82%
Out-Of-State Students
18%
Size of Town
Small city
US States Represented
49
Countries Represented
94
Ethnicity
African American
8%
Asian/Pacific Islander
3%
Hispanic
9%
White
64%
Multiracial
5%
Unknown
3%
Percent of First Generation Students
29%
Student Organizations
323
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Item is checked
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Item is checked
Yes
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Item is checked
Yes

Housing

0
100
30%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
83%
Freshman Living on Campus

Athletics

Divisional Sports Nickname
Broncos
School Colors
brown and gold
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Mid-American Conference
Total Male Athletes
218
Total Female Athletes
160
Intramural Sports
21
Sports Club
35
Sports Team (Men)
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Ice Hockey
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
Sports Team (Women)
  • Basketball
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball
Western Michigan University Athletics: visit page

Campus Safety

24-HR security patrol
24-HR security patrol is checked
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Campus emergency phones is checked
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Item is checked
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Item is checked
Yes

After Graduation

Post Grad Stats

Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$53,562
Top 5 Cities
Kalamazoo
Detroit
Grand Rapids
Chicago
Lansing
Top 5 Employers
Western Michigan University
Bronson
Ascension Health
EDUStaff
Pfzier
Top 5 Sectors
Business Development
Education
Operations
Sales
Community & Social Services
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$26,188
Loan Default Rate
7%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$278
The academics offered here at WMU are great. The school is not too big that it is hard to get individual help, but its big enough to teach you how to learn on your own and use the facilities the school provides as help. The student writing center and math tutoring sessions are each great tools to help you learn in your big lecture halls.
Tim from Kalamazoo, MI
I have to say, I thought Gen. Ed's would be boring, but I have found one in each area that has kept my interest. I must say though if ever you get a chance to be in a class by Prof. Tim McGrew, do not pass up the opportunity. McGrew has been one of the best instructors I've had, ever.
Charles from Portage, MI
Learning through a college environment is much different than High School. The classes are more specialized about their subject. What I have learned in these classes has helped me decide my major, which will be Finance. The professors were always willing to help with my questions even when they were not in their office.
Sharndeep from Canton, MI
Inside the classrooms, I was taught by lively, helpful, and informative professors. Outside the classroom, I learned a lot about myself through living in the dorm and participating in extra-curricular activities.
Brittany
I just finished my freshman year for a mechanical engineering degree. The course I took were pretty standard and nothing new, but looking forward, western offers some unique and exciting classes.
Michele from Troy, MI
I receive great teaching from professors that love what they do. They come into the lecture halls ready to give their all to the students. I am able to speak with my professors and get all they help that I need. I have a blocked schedule for my business courses and that allows me to have two small classes with the same students. I can talk to the teacher easier and I can become really close to my classmates.
Janae from Redford, MI
I would have to base this question off of lots of different things, i am learning a lot academically but who doesn't when the step in the front door to college? I also am learning a lot about myself that I never knew, i am learning how to deal with people who get on my case. Students coming you the best thing i can tell you is TIME MANAGE.
Christopher from Concord, MI
As a pre-med student at WMU I am required to take very challenging classes. However, I have done extremely well and have made the Dean's List every semester that I have been here. This is due partially to my hard work and focus, and also because of the Professors. I have had only one bad Professor during my time here thus far; they are far less common than the good ones. The majority of Professors are enthusiastic about teaching, care about their students (even though they may have hundreds) and try very hard to make time to meet with you/accommodate you if you have questions or are struggling. Everyone at Western wants you to be successful.
Pre-Med Girl
No matter how great the school is, you are going to get out what you put in. That being said, I feel like Western is preparing me so well for my future career. Every single one of my classes--though challenging me a lot at times--is beneficial to me. My professors are interesting, and are truly passionate about the subject. They also have high expectations of their students, which really pushes you to give it your all.
Bridget from Saint Joseph, MI
a great education at a lower rate than other local colleges. beautiful and easy to navigate campus. a top 100 nationally ranked school.
paige