Skip to content

Eastern Michigan University vs Western Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University is a public university in Ypsilanti, MI. Western Michigan University is a public university in Kalamazoo, MI. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants and Western Michigan University about 85%, making Eastern Michigan University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,273 a year at Western Michigan University after aid, and about $15,407 at Eastern Michigan University. About 58% of students graduate at Western Michigan University, compared with 46% at Eastern Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Michigan University alumni earn a median of about $53,562, against $51,793 for Eastern Michigan University.

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI · Public

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Ypsilanti, MI
Kalamazoo, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,055
12,568
Acceptance rate
80%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
920–1170
990–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
18–27
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,407
$15,273
Full cost / yr
$29,640
$29,237
In-state tuition
$16,240
$15,252
Out-of-state tuition
$16,240
$19,034
Application fee
$35
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,250
$5,263
$30k - $48k
$12,863
$5,734
$48k - $75k
$13,748
$13,833
$75k - $110k
$18,243
$18,307
Over $110k
$21,036
$23,625
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
58%
Freshman retention
69%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,148
$45,356
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,793
$53,562
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$26,188
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
27%
First-generation students
34%
29%
International students
5%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Eastern Michigan University or Western Michigan University harder to get into?
Eastern Michigan University is harder to get into. It admits about 80% of applicants, compared with 85% at Western Michigan University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Michigan University or Western Michigan University?
Western Michigan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,273 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,407 at Eastern Michigan University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Eastern Michigan University and Western Michigan University?
Before aid, Western Michigan University costs about $29,237 a year and Eastern Michigan University about $29,640. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Eastern Michigan University or Western Michigan University?
Western Michigan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,263 there, against about $13,250 at Eastern Michigan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Eastern Michigan University or Western Michigan University?
Western Michigan University is the larger of the two, with about 12,568 undergraduates against 10,055 at Eastern Michigan University.
Does Eastern Michigan University or Western Michigan University have a better graduation rate?
Western Michigan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 58% against 46% at Eastern Michigan University.
Do graduates of Eastern Michigan University or Western Michigan University earn more?
Western Michigan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,562 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,793 for Eastern Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Eastern Michigan University and Western Michigan University require SAT or ACT scores?
Eastern Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Eastern Michigan University and Western Michigan University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 920–1170 at Eastern Michigan University and 990–1220 at Western Michigan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school