Michigan State University vs Western Michigan University
Michigan State University is a public university in East Lansing, MI. Western Michigan University is a public university in Kalamazoo, MI. Both admit about 85% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $15,273 a year at Western Michigan University after aid, and about $19,680 at Michigan State University. About 81% of students graduate at Michigan State University, compared with 58% at Western Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Michigan State University alumni earn a median of about $67,253, against $53,562 for Western Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
East Lansing, MI
Kalamazoo, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
40,922
12,568
Acceptance rate
85%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.74 avg
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1360
990–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,680
$15,273
Full cost / yr
$32,198
$29,237
In-state tuition
$16,458
$15,252
Out-of-state tuition
$43,842
$19,034
Application fee
$65
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,068
$5,263
$30k - $48k
$10,830
$5,734
$48k - $75k
$16,521
$13,833
$75k - $110k
$22,703
$18,307
Over $110k
$28,546
$23,625
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
58%
Freshman retention
90%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,084
$45,356
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,253
$53,562
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$26,188
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
27%
First-generation students
21%
29%
International students
5%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
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.
- Is Michigan State University or Western Michigan University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 85% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Michigan State 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 $19,680 at Michigan State 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 Michigan State University and Western Michigan University?
- Before aid, Western Michigan University costs about $29,237 a year and Michigan State University about $32,198. 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, Michigan State University or Western Michigan University?
- Western Michigan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,263 there, against about $7,068 at Michigan State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Michigan State University or Western Michigan University?
- Michigan State University is the larger of the two, with about 40,922 undergraduates against 12,568 at Western Michigan University.
- Does Michigan State University or Western Michigan University have a better graduation rate?
- Michigan State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 58% at Western Michigan University.
- Do graduates of Michigan State University or Western Michigan University earn more?
- Michigan State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,253 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,562 for Western Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Michigan State University and Western Michigan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Michigan State 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 Michigan State University and Western Michigan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1360 at Michigan State University and 990–1220 at Western Michigan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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