WMU Academic Snapshot

Admission Selectiveness:

  • Admission Rate: 84.60%. Not very selective

Tuition Overview:

  • In-State Tuition: $15,987
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $19,952
  • Tuition rates are on the higher end, which may reflect the institution's resources or prestige.

Student Population at WMU:

  • Total Enrollment: 16,744, including 2,238 online students
  • 13,027 Undergraduate, 3,717 Graduate
  • Gender Distribution: 45.8% men, 54.2% women.
  • This is a large institution, providing extensive academic options and vibrant campus life.

Graduation & Retention Rate

  • Graduation Rate: 58%. Moderate graduation rate, typical for many institutions.
  • Transfer-Out Rate: 27%. Some students transfer out, which is common in higher education.
  • First-Year Retention Rate: 81%. Good retention, typical for many institutions.

Programs & Degrees Offered

  • Programs Offered: 374 academic programs available.
  • Online Programs: 29 programs available fully online.
  • Graduate Programs: 152 graduate-level programs offered.
  • Special Programs: Health Professions.
  • Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.

WMU Overview

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a four-year, public school located in Kalamazoo, MI. It is classified as Research University with high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R2 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R2 University comparison page.

The WMU's tuition & fees is $15,987 for Michigan residents and $19,952 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 74% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $9,864.

The school has a total enrollment of 16,744 and the students to faculty ratio is 16 to 1 (6.25%).

WMU's acceptance rate is 84.60% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 13.53%.

WMU ranked 248th in National Universities and 27th in Michigan Colleges rankings. Western Michigan University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation

For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Western Michigan University is $15,987 for in-state students and $19,952 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $20,103 for in-state students and $29,681 for out-of-state students.

The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $16,707 for Michigan residents and $20,844 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $20,964 for Michigan residents and $30,961 for out-of-state students.

In-StateOut-of-State
Undergraduate$15,987$19,952
Graduate$20,103$29,681
In-StateOut-of-State
Undergraduate$16,707$20,844
Graduate$20,964$30,961

The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.


Admission Key Statistics

Acceptance Rate »84.60% Acceptance Rate / 13.53% Yield
Graduation Rate »58%
Transfer-out Rate27%
Retention Rate81%(full-time), 64% (part-time)
Student to Faculty Ratio6.25% (16 to 1)
Student Population »16,744 (13,027 undergraduate)
Average Financial Aid »$9,864

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), College Scorecard

Learning Opportunities and Campus Services

Western Michigan University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.

Special Learning Opportunities at WMU
Learning Opportunities
ROTCArmy, Air Force
Weekend/Evening CollegeNo
Teacher CertificationYes
Study AbroadYes
On-Campus Services
Academic/career counseling serviceYes
Employment services for studentsYes
Placement services for completersYes
On-campus day care for students' childrenNo

Western Michigan University Directory Information

Address1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5200
Phone269-387-1000
WEBSchool's Website
AdmissionAdmission Information
Online ApplicationApply Online
Financial AidDeadlines and Applications
Net Price CalculatorNet Price Calculator
Veterans TuitionVeterans Benefit Information
Disability ServiceDisability Services
School Typefour-year, public
Carnegie CategoryR2 Universities
Highest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree

Tools for analyzing and comparing WMU

Ratings & Review

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