University of Michigan-Dearborn vs Western Michigan University
University of Michigan-Dearborn is a public university in Dearborn, MI, and Western Michigan University is a public university in Kalamazoo, MI. University of Michigan-Dearborn is the more selective of the two, admitting about 56% of applicants against 85% at Western Michigan University. University of Michigan-Dearborn is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,492 a year against $15,273 at Western Michigan University. About 58% of students graduate at Western Michigan University, compared with 57% at University of Michigan-Dearborn. Ten years after enrolling, University of Michigan-Dearborn alumni earn a median of about $59,649, against $53,562 for Western Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Dearborn, MI
Kalamazoo, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,952
12,568
Acceptance rate
56%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1255
990–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
24–28
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,492
$15,273
Full cost / yr
$24,040
$29,237
In-state tuition
$15,640
$15,252
Out-of-state tuition
$32,896
$19,034
Application fee
Not reported
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,211
$5,263
$30k - $48k
$6,284
$5,734
$48k - $75k
$7,997
$13,833
$75k - $110k
$13,630
$18,307
Over $110k
$17,529
$23,625
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
58%
Freshman retention
82%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,389
$45,356
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,649
$53,562
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$26,188
Student body
Pell grant recipients
46%
27%
First-generation students
38%
29%
International students
4%
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 University of Michigan-Dearborn or Western Michigan University harder to get into?
- University of Michigan-Dearborn is harder to get into. It admits about 56% 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, University of Michigan-Dearborn or Western Michigan University?
- University of Michigan-Dearborn is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,492 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 University of Michigan-Dearborn and Western Michigan University?
- Before aid, University of Michigan-Dearborn costs about $24,040 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, University of Michigan-Dearborn or Western Michigan University?
- Western Michigan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,263 there, against about $7,211 at University of Michigan-Dearborn. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Michigan-Dearborn or Western Michigan University?
- Western Michigan University is the larger of the two, with about 12,568 undergraduates against 5,952 at University of Michigan-Dearborn.
- Does University of Michigan-Dearborn or Western Michigan University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Michigan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 58% against 57% at University of Michigan-Dearborn.
- Do graduates of University of Michigan-Dearborn or Western Michigan University earn more?
- University of Michigan-Dearborn alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,649 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,562 for Western Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Michigan-Dearborn and Western Michigan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Michigan-Dearborn 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 University of Michigan-Dearborn and Western Michigan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1255 at University of Michigan-Dearborn 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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