Overview of Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University is a public research institution situated in Kalamazoo, Michigan, WMU. The institution has a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to select from. A robust student/faculty ratio backs students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations.  In athletics, the WMU Broncos play in the NCAA Division I Mid-American Conference (MAC).

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 22,562 (17,760 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 49 percent male/51 percent female
• 84 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $13,017 (in-state); $16,041 (out-of-state)
• Books: $987
• Room and Board: $10,567
• Other Expenses: $2,500
• Total Cost: $27,071 (in-state); $30,095 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 89 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 63 percent
  • Loans: 76 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $7,960
  • Loans: $6,951

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Engineering; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; and Visual and Performing Arts

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 80 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 30 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 23 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 53 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Tennis
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Golf, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

Overview of Western Michigan University Admissions

Western Michigan University, which accepts more than three-quarters of applicants, has a moderately selective admissions procedure. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. Applicants must complete an online application and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

Admissions Data             

Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, Western Michigan University had an acceptance rate of 81%.  For every 100 students who submitted applications, 81 students gained admission, making WMU’s admissions procedure moderately competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 82% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of Western Michigan’s students fall within the bottom 29% nationally on SAT. 50% of admitted students scored between 500 and 600 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 500 and 25% scored over 600. 50% of students scored between 490 and 590 on the math part, while 25% scored under 490, and 25% scored over 590. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1190 or higher will have a competitive advantage at WMU.

ACT Requirements and Scores

Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 33% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most Western Michigan’s students fall within the top 48% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of admitted students to WMU received a cumulative ACT score between 20 and 26, while 25% scored over 26, and 25% scored under 20.

GPA

In 2019, the mean high school GPA of Western Michigan University’s incoming freshmen class was 3.34, and over 44% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.5 and over. Successful applicants to WMU have primarily high B grades.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Western Michigan University, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If Western Michigan University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

California State University Sacramento, California State University Northridge, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, California State University Fresno, California State University East Bay, Kean University, California State University Los Angeles

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Western Michigan University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

Old Dominion University, Texas State University, Georgia State University, State University of New York at Fredonia, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of California, Merced, Liberty University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Western Michigan University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Alabama, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of North Texas, California State University Long Beach, Pace University, Florida Gulf Coast University

Applying to Western Michigan University

Application Deadline: Rolling

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://wmich.edu/admissions/freshmen?ref=infolink

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://westernmichigan.force.com/portal/TX_SiteLogin?startURL=%2Fportal%2FTargetX_Base__Portal

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://wmich.edu/grad/future-students     

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://wmich.edu/grad/apply