Western Michigan University Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
Western Michigan University is a public research university in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with about 12,568 students. Admission is moderately selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 84.60% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $53,562 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $15,252
- 2024 Average Net Price: $15,273 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 84.60% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 12,568 87.3% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 57.57%
- Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity
- First-Generation Students: 29.3%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 4.6% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price decrease of 5.9% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 63.1%
- Average SAT Score: 1108
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,038
- Applicants (IPEDS): 20,100
- Room & Board: $12,174 annual estimate
Western Michigan University: what the data shows
Common questions about Western Michigan University, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Western Michigan University?
Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI (ZIP 49008-5200).
NCES locale classification: Town.
Is Western Michigan University public or private?
Western Michigan University is a Public institution.
How much does Western Michigan University cost?
Published tuition: $15,252 in-state, $19,034 out-of-state.
Average net price after aid: $15,273.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $5,263 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $5,734 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $13,833 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $18,307 |
| $110,001+ | $23,625 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $61,008.
How hard is it to get into Western Michigan University?
Admission rate: 84.60%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 1108 and midpoint ACT 24.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is Western Michigan University?
Total enrollment: 12,568 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 14,038 students.
Graduate enrollment: 3,717 students.
About 87% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Western Michigan University?
150%-time completion rate: 57.57%.
First-year retention: 81.1%.
What do graduates of Western Michigan University earn?
Median earnings: $45,356 six years after entry; $53,562 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $26,188.
26.75% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Western Michigan University known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General (266 completions)
- Finance, General (202 completions)
- Accounting (200 completions)
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (158 completions)
- Psychology, General (143 completions)
- E-Commerce/Electronic Commerce (128 completions)
- Marketing/Marketing Management, General (105 completions)
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (104 completions)
- Clinical/Medical Social Work (103 completions)
- Marketing, Other (99 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Western Michigan University a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 84.60%; completion rate 57.57%; median earnings $53,562 at 10 years; net price $15,273. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$15,252
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Western Michigan University was $15,252.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$15,273
2024 Value
In 2024 Western Michigan University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $15,273.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$61,092 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$15,273 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$61,008 4-Year In-State Tuition
$76,136 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition
$12,174 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,128 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$28,554 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$114,216 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Western Michigan University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
26.75% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
47.10% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Western Michigan University was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Western Michigan University in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $10,355 | $24,109 | $17,322 |
| 2014 | $10,685 | $24,917 | $15,903 |
| 2015 | $11,029 | $25,713 | $16,870 |
| 2016 | $11,493 | $26,851 | $16,824 |
| 2017 | $11,943 | $14,699 | $17,259 |
| 2018 | $12,483 | $15,373 | $19,119 |
| 2019 | $13,017 | $16,041 | $19,433 |
| 2020 | $13,017 | $16,041 | $20,371 |
| 2021 | $13,434 | $16,768 | $19,195 |
| 2022 | $14,623 | $18,254 | $19,884 |
| 2023 | $15,298 | $19,098 | $18,701 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.60% Acceptance Rate
20,100 Total Applicants
17,020 Students Admitted
2,472 First-Time Students Enrolled
14.52% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1108
ACT Average: 24
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.0 - 3.4
Estimated Median GPA: 3.20
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Western Michigan University reported total enrollment of about 12,568 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 48% male and 52% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (68.1%), Hispanic or Latino (9.3%), and Black or African American (8.2%). About 26.75% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 29.3% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
87.3% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Western Michigan University in 2024 is 12,568 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 14,038 students. Graduate enrollment is about 3,717 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
81.1%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 68.1%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
31.75% 100% Completion Time
57.57% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 31.75% of students graduating from Western Michigan University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General: 82% male / 18% female
- Finance, General: 70% male / 30% female
- Accounting: 48% male / 52% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Western Michigan University.
Return on Investment
$26,188 Median Student Debt
$53,562 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
48.89% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
776.74% Return on Investment
4.9 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Western Michigan University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 189 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General: 266 completions
2. Finance, General: 202 completions
3. Accounting: 200 completions
4. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other: 158 completions
5. Psychology, General: 143 completions
6. E-Commerce/Electronic Commerce: 128 completions
7. Marketing/Marketing Management, General: 105 completions
8. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse: 104 completions
9. Clinical/Medical Social Work: 103 completions
Most popular programs at Western Michigan University.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Western Michigan University graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Western Michigan University from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 63.1%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $10,830
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $13,167
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Western Michigan University is a public institution located in Kalamazoo, MI, classified as Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General, Finance, General, Accounting. Enrollment is approximately 12,568 students. Student body composition includes White (68.1%), Hispanic or Latino (9.3%), Black or African American (8.2%). The admission rate is 84.60%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1108. The 150%-time completion rate is 57.57%. Approximately 26.75% of students receive Pell Grants. About 29.3% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Public
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity
Location
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5200
Region: Great Lakes
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 189 distinct degree programs, Western Michigan University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Western Michigan University located?
Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI.
What is Western Michigan University's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at Western Michigan University is 84.6% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 20,100 applicants and 17,020 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does Western Michigan University cost?
Reported tuition is $15,252 and average net price is $15,273 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $12,174 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Western Michigan University?
Western Michigan University reports undergraduate enrollment of about 14,038 students, White (68.1%), Hispanic or Latino (9.3%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Western Michigan University?
About 29.3% of students at Western Michigan University are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for Western Michigan University?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, Western Michigan University reports midpoint SAT about 1108 and midpoint ACT about 24.
What do graduates of Western Michigan University earn?
Median earnings are $45,356 six years after entry and $53,562 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Western Michigan University?
The 150%-time completion rate is 57.6% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Western Michigan University students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $26,188.
Is Western Michigan University public or private?
Western Michigan University is a public institution located in Kalamazoo, MI.
Is Western Michigan University an HBCU?
No. Western Michigan University is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is Western Michigan University a tribal college?
No. Western Michigan University is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Michigan college costs
- Michigan colleges by ROI
- Kalamazoo, Michigan city profile
- Great Lakes regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Michigan
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.