Eastern Michigan University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI 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 Eastern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 12,631 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Michigan University is located in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Michigan University 14:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Eastern Michigan University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University than WMU ($15,742 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 10.8% lower than at Eastern Michigan University ($12,174 vs. $13,652).
• Eastern Michigan University is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $988 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.2% higher at WMU than at Eastern Michigan University (about $2,794 more per year; $19,034.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at Eastern Michigan University (94% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Michigan University students is 21% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($13,370 vs. $11,048).

Eastern Michigan University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 60 points higher than at Eastern Michigan University (1050).
• Incoming WMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Eastern Michigan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Michigan University 920/1170; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Michigan University 18/27; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern Michigan University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Eastern Michigan University (3.37).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Eastern Michigan University (79.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Eastern Michigan University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern Michigan 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).

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Eastern Michigan University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Eastern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Michigan University graduates have a $1,133 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($25,500 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Eastern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($263 vs. $275).
• More WMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 45%)

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.