Oakland University vs Western Michigan University
Oakland University is a public university in Rochester Hills, MI, and Western Michigan University is a public university in Kalamazoo, MI. Western Michigan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 85% of applicants against 88% at Oakland University. Oakland University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,120 a year against $15,273 at Western Michigan University. About 58% of students graduate at Western Michigan University, compared with 57% at Oakland University. Ten years after enrolling, Oakland University alumni earn a median of about $58,612, against $53,562 for Western Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Rochester Hills, MI
Kalamazoo, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
12,351
12,568
Acceptance rate
88%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1230
990–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,120
$15,273
Full cost / yr
$25,182
$29,237
In-state tuition
$15,262
$15,252
Out-of-state tuition
$23,188
$19,034
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,422
$5,263
$30k - $48k
$4,560
$5,734
$48k - $75k
$6,711
$13,833
$75k - $110k
$11,874
$18,307
Over $110k
$19,217
$23,625
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
58%
Freshman retention
78%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,017
$45,356
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,612
$53,562
Median debt at graduation
$22,750
$26,188
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
27%
First-generation students
32%
29%
International students
2%
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.
- Is Oakland University or Western Michigan University harder to get into?
- Western Michigan University is harder to get into. It admits about 85% of applicants, compared with 88% at Oakland 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, Oakland University or Western Michigan University?
- Oakland University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,120 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,273 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Oakland University and Western Michigan University?
- Before aid, Oakland University costs about $25,182 a year and Western Michigan University about $29,237. 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, Oakland University or Western Michigan University?
- Oakland University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,422 there, against about $5,263 at Western Michigan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Oakland University or Western Michigan University?
- Western Michigan University is the larger of the two, with about 12,568 undergraduates against 12,351 at Oakland University.
- Does Oakland University or Western Michigan University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Michigan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 58% against 57% at Oakland University.
- Do graduates of Oakland University or Western Michigan University earn more?
- Oakland University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,612 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,562 for Western Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Oakland University and Western Michigan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Oakland 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 Oakland University and Western Michigan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1230 at Oakland University and 990–1220 at Western Michigan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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