Eastern Michigan University vs Western Kentucky University (WKU)
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) and Western Kentucky University (WKU) are two public universities located in the Midwestern and Southern regions of the United States, respectively. Both institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but there are some key differences between the two. EMU has a higher acceptance rate (80%) compared to WKU (69%), and its student body is slightly larger, with over 18,000 students enrolled compared to WKU's 16,000. EMU is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and business, while WKU is known for its programs in engineering, business, and health sciences. Additionally, EMU has a higher graduation rate (58%) compared to WKU (52%). To help you make an informed decision about which university is the best fit for you, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that highlights the key differences between EMU and WKU.
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![]() Eastern Michigan University |
![]() Western Kentucky University |
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Overview |
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Location | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Bowling Green, Kentucky |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 69.0% | 73.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 84.6% | 98.5% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$45
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Undergraduate:
$45
Graduate:
$65
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SAT range | 930 - 1180 | N/A |
ACT range | 18 - 25 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 55.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 8.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 17,506 | 7,255 |
Total number of admissions given out | 14,811 | 7,145 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,312 | 2,832 |
Yield rate | 15.6% | 39.6% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $31,022 |
In state:
$27,895
Out of state:
$43,903
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Average net price | $16,311 | $12,395 |
Tuition | $13,950 |
In state:
$10,992
Out of state:
$27,000
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,450
Meal plan:
$5,724
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Room/dormitory:
$6,744
Meal plan:
$3,964
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
95.0%
Average amount $9,182 |
98.0%
Average amount $9,576 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
48.0%
Average amount $5,579 |
47.0%
Average amount $5,128 |
Students taking out private loans |
3.0%
Average amount $12,079 |
5.0%
Average amount $9,983 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
12,730
Men 38.9% Women 61.1% |
14,729
Men 37.8% Women 62.2% |
Graduate students |
2,610
Men 31.9% Women 68.1% |
2,021
Men 34.1% Women 65.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 14.2% | N/A |
International students | 2.7% | 1.1% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 3,290 | 4,942 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Michigan Ohio Illinois Indiana Florida | Tennessee Indiana Illinois Ohio |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 18:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 48.2% | 53.6% |
Dropout rate | 48.4% | 22.1% |
Transferred out | N/A | 22.9% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Science, Technology and Society (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
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