Western Michigan University (WMU) vs Eastern Michigan University
Western Michigan University (WMU) and Eastern Michigan University (EMU) are two public universities located in Michigan, each with its own unique strengths and characteristics. WMU, situated in Kalamazoo, boasts a higher acceptance rate (79%) compared to EMU's 73%, making it a more accessible option for prospective students. In terms of student body demographics, WMU has a slightly larger undergraduate population, while EMU has a higher percentage of graduate students. Both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, with popular majors including business, education, and health sciences. However, WMU has a slightly higher graduation rate (62%) compared to EMU's 59%. To help you make an informed decision about which university better aligns with your academic goals and preferences, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more. Explore the table to discover the key differences between WMU and EMU and find the institution that best suits your individual needs and
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![]() Eastern Michigan University |
![]() Western Michigan University |
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Overview |
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Location | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Kalamazoo, Michigan |
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% | 77.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 84.6% | 82.8% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$45
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Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$50
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SAT range | 930 - 1180 | 1000 - 1220 |
ACT range | 18 - 25 | 21 - 27 |
Students submitting SAT score | 55.0% | 37.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 8.0% | 7.0% |
Total number of applicants | 17,506 | 18,853 |
Total number of admissions given out | 14,811 | 15,612 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,312 | 2,112 |
Yield rate | 15.6% | 13.5% |
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:
$27,947
Out of state:
$31,281
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Average net price | $16,311 | $19,749 |
Tuition | $13,950 |
In state:
$13,334
Out of state:
$16,668
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,450
Meal plan:
$5,724
|
$10,884 |
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 |
95.0%
Average amount $6,352 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
48.0%
Average amount $5,579 |
49.0%
Average amount $5,188 |
Students taking out private loans |
3.0%
Average amount $12,079 |
10.0%
Average amount $15,132 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
12,730
Men 38.9% Women 61.1% |
14,587
Men 50.1% Women 49.9% |
Graduate students |
2,610
Men 31.9% Women 68.1% |
3,679
Men 37.4% Women 62.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 14.2% | 23.8% |
International students | 2.7% | 7.3% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 3,290 | 5,130 |
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 | Michigan Illinois Indiana Wisconsin Ohio |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 16:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 48.2% | 56.3% |
Dropout rate | 48.4% | 14.6% |
Transferred out | N/A | 25.6% |
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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Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees)
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