Anderson University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, IN with Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Anderson University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Anderson University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson University or WMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Western Michigan University than Anderson University ($17,331 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 4.9% lower than at Anderson University ($12,174 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 144.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $21,988 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 95.6% higher at Anderson University than at Western Michigan University (about $18,206 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 134.8% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($25,946 vs. $11,048).

Anderson University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson University or WMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WMU and Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 80 points higher than at Anderson University (1030).
• Incoming WMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Anderson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Anderson University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson University and WMU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Anderson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Michigan University graduates have a $367 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($26,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WMU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.