Benedictine University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedictine University in Lisle, IL 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 Benedictine University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 2,917 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedictine University is located in Lisle, IL (Large Suburban setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Benedictine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedictine University 15:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Benedictine University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedictine 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 Benedictine University ($17,331 vs. $23,139).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedictine University are 10.9% lower than at Western Michigan University ($10,850 vs. $12,174).
• Benedictine University is 135.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $20,688 more per year; $35,940.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.8% higher at Benedictine University than at Western Michigan University (about $16,906 more per year; $35,940.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedictine University than at Western Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedictine University students is 107.4% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($22,911 vs. $11,048).

Benedictine University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedictine University or WMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WMU and Benedictine University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Benedictine University (1170) is 60 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Benedictine University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 23) as students at WMU (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Benedictine University 1050/1280; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Benedictine University 19/28; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedictine University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman WMU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Benedictine University (3.26).
• Benedictine University has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Benedictine University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Benedictine University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedictine University and WMU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Benedictine University's (49%).
• Graduates from Benedictine University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have a $4,333 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($22,300 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($230 vs. $275).
• More Benedictine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.