Western Michigan University (WMU) 2026 Admission 85%, Cost $

84.60%

Acceptance Rate

$8,216

Avg.Financial Aid

002330

FAFSA Code

College Search

★ Western Michigan University (WMU) Report Card

Selectivity

—

84.6% acceptance rate

Academics

58% graduation rate

Class Size

C-

16:1 student-faculty ratio

Value

B+

$19,034 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

★ Key Facts: Western Michigan University (WMU)

Institution: Western Michigan University (WMU)
Type: Public

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified July 2026. Citable source →

Western Michigan University (WMU)

Type Control of Institution - Public/Private
Public
Acceptance Rate:
N/A
Level
4 Years
Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.
Not applicable
Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.
HLC
Website
https://wmich.edu/
Student Population Number of Students attending College
12,568
On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?
Yes

Western Michigan is the rare large state school that hasn't forgotten what it means to actually teach undergraduates. With roughly 20,000 students and a genuine engineering pedigree (seriously—the co-op program here is the gold standard), WMU offers the resources of a research university without the feeling that you're just a number in a lecture hall. Kalamazoo itself is a thoughtful mid-size city with just enough going on—live music venues, decent food scene, real neighborhoods. The campus sits right in town, integrated rather than isolated, which means actual community engagement isn't just a slogan.

The engineering school is the star here, but don't overlook the business program or the liberal arts culture that persists despite the institution's size. What sets WMU apart is the co-op system: students alternate semesters of study and work, which means you're getting real paid experience, not just an internship during summer. That model builds a network before graduation and a resume that actually impresses employers. Class sizes are honest—intro lectures are big, yes, but upper-level courses put you with professors who know your name. The campus is well-maintained without being glitzy; it feels like a place built for learning, not Instagram.

Affordability is solid, especially for in-state students, and WMU's commitment to need-based aid is genuine. The student body is unpretentious and hardworking—a lot of first-generation students, a lot of people paying their own way, and that translates to a culture of actual purpose. If you want a school that delivers real career preparation, keeps costs reasonable, and doesn't pretend to be something it's not, Western Michigan is worth serious consideration.

Location & Contact

Address

1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Contact

Phone: (269) 387-1000

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Rankings

As long as US universities are concerned, the rankings which are provided by Forbes and US News are trusted everywhere. Usually, the rankings of colleges/universities by Forbes and US News are considered trustworthy by applicants and experts. However, Western Michigan University doesn't feature in the list of top colleges, according to the latest rankings of these two publications. Generally, the ranking of a university is a great way to gauge its performance on several factors like research excellence, the performance of its students after graduation, student experience, and academic success.

Admissions

Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.
Rolling Admissions
Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.
84.60%
SAT Range
990 - 1190
SAT/ACT
Recommended
ACT Range
20 - 26
High School GPA
Required
Application Fee
$40
Accept Common App
None

The students can make the most out of the admission process as the admission at the university is fairly easy. Western Michigan University has 3 admission thresholds. To kickstart the admission process at WMU, the candidates have to fill an application form and submit a fee of $40. The SAT score in the range of 1000-1210 would boost a student's chances of securing admission. A candidate, in order to take admission to Western Michigan University, must score 22 in her ACTs. But, in certain cases, those having ACT scores less than 19 are also given admission. The application process can be completed online. However, if needed, one can also visit the office at 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5200, or call (269) 387-1000.

Full Admission Info Find College Scholarships Request Info

Annual Cost to Attend

Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.
$15,273
Average Annual Cost
$15,252

Additional Costs:

Books And Supplies
$26,009
Other Fees
$923
Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.
$10,143
Budget For Other Expenses
$2,415

Total One Year Cost

$26,009

The next two things to keep in mind before applying to WMU are the tuition fees and the cost of living during the course tenure. The full-time cost of attendance is approximately $28,583 per year. If it sounds unaffordable to the applicant, there are numerous financial aid options available that they can explore.

Explore Programs Explore Student Loans Explore Tuition and Cost

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Doctor's degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

16:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

81%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

64%

Academic Calendar

Semester

Research Funding per Student

$1,490

Faculty Overview

55%

Male Professors

45%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Student Body

Undergraduate Students

17,760

Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

33%

Full-time / Part-time

84% / 16%

Students Gender

Male

51%

US National: 44%

Female

49%

US National: 56%

LGBTQIA STUDENT RESOURCE GROUPS

ON CAMPUS WOMEN'S CENTER

Race/Ethnicity

White

70%

Unknown

Black

11%

Hispanic

Two or more races

Non Resident alien

Asian

American Indian/Alaska native

Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

Geographic Density

High

Unknown Location

24%

Out Of State

73%

In State

Foreign

Economic Diversity

36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

Median Household Income

$69,141 per year

Campus Life

Housing

The students can reside on campus and N/A of Freshman Live On-Campus.

On Campus Housing Available

Yes

Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

Freshmen Live on Campus

N/A

Undergrads in College Housing

27%

Averege Housing Cost

N/A

Campus Food

The institution has several dining and meal plan options available to students and the average meal plan cost is around N/A.

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Average Meal Plan Available

N/A

Athletes

Division Sports Nickname

Buster Bronco

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

Sports Club

Sports Team (Men)

Baseball

Basketball

Football

Ice Hockey

Soccer

Tennis

Sports Team (Women)

Basketball

Golf

Gymnastics

Soccer

Softball

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

Campus Security

Students who want to enjoy the campus and lodging life can benefit from the on-campus housing facility provided by WMU. At WMU, $10,567 is the normal expense for on-campus housing, which a student will be needed to pay, each year. At Western Michigan University, students are offered well-cooked food keeping in mind their health and nutritional requirements. Additionally, the university offers a wide assortment of dining and meal options to the students. The university has taken a lot of measures to ensure the safety and security of its students. Some of these measures include 24-hr security patrol, campus emergency phones, 24-hr escort safety rides and mobile campus emergency alert. The number of female and male students at the university are 51% and 49%, respectively.

24-Hour Security Patrol

Campus Emergency Phones

24-Hour Escort Safety rides

Mobile Campus Emergency Alert

After Graduation

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

$32,300/year

Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

$45,000/year

Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

$21,500 - $31,000

Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

$223 - $322

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Show data for students who

and started their studies

Out of 7,811 students

30% Graduated

10% Still Enrolled

15% Transfer

1% Withdraw

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

63%

Average Aid Per Year

$8,216

Students Receiving Federal Grants

34%

Average Aid Per Year

$5,131

Students Receiving State Aid

Average Aid Per Year

$1,138

Students Receiving Institutional Grants

50%

Average Aid Per Year

$6,720

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Income

Average Amount

< $30K

$11,848

$30K - $48K

$10,194

$48K - $75K

$5,956

$75K - $110K

$2,468

> $110K

$1,196

Total Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$40,335,867

Total Non-Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$28,595,492

The financial aid department of Western Michigan University helps students by assisting them with scholarships, grants, and student loans in the event that they find the fees and the cost of living at the campus to be expensive. At the university, the average federal grant comes to be around $5,239, whereas the financial aid is $6,789. The university provides financial assistance in the form of state-level aid worth $1,154 and institutional aid worth $6,789. The total need-based scholarships/grants offered at WMU based on students' financial needs add up to $40,335,867 per year. Meanwhile, the total non-need-based scholarships/grants in a year come to around $28,595,492.

Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions About Western Michigan University (WMU)

How hard is it to get into Western Michigan University (WMU)?

Western Michigan University (WMU) is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 84.6%. Strong applicants typically have above-average test scores, a rigorous course load, and compelling extracurricular activities.

How much does Western Michigan University (WMU) cost?

Tuition at Western Michigan University (WMU) is approximately $19,034 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

How many students attend Western Michigan University (WMU)?

Western Michigan University (WMU) enrolls approximately 12,568 students across its programs.

What is the graduation rate at Western Michigan University (WMU)?

The graduation rate at Western Michigan University (WMU) is 58%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Western Michigan University (WMU)?

The student-faculty ratio at Western Michigan University (WMU) is 16:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for Western Michigan University (WMU)?

Western Michigan University (WMU) typically admits students with SAT scores in the range of 430 - 590 (Reading) and 450 - 570 (Math) and ACT composite scores of 19 - 25. Check the admissions office for the most current testing requirements and whether test-optional policies apply.

Is Western Michigan University (WMU) a public or private university?

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public institution.

When is the application deadline for Western Michigan University (WMU)?

Application deadlines at Western Michigan University (WMU) vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

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Western Michigan University (WMU) — 2026 Profile - Kalamazoo, Michigan

★ Western Michigan University (WMU) Report Card

★ Key Facts: Western Michigan University (WMU)

Western Michigan University (WMU)

Location & Contact

Rankings

Admissions

Annual Cost to Attend

Academics

Majors

Student Body

Students Gender

Geographic Density

Economic Diversity

Campus Life

After Graduation

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Financial Aid

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Frequently Asked Questions About Western Michigan University (WMU)

Other Colleges In Michigan

Online Education at WSU

Near By Colleges

Other Public Colleges

Student Reviews

Write a Review

★ Western Michigan University (WMU) Report Card

★ Key Facts: Western Michigan University (WMU)

Western Michigan University (WMU)

Location & Contact

Rankings

Admissions

Annual Cost to Attend

Academics

Majors

Student Body

Students Gender

Geographic Density

Economic Diversity

Campus Life

After Graduation

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Financial Aid

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

📖 Related Reading about Western Michigan University (WMU)

Western Michigan University (WMU) — 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About Western Michigan University (WMU)

Other Colleges In Michigan

Online Education at WSU

Near By Colleges

Other Public Colleges

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