IUPUI vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

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

Indiana University Indianapolis is larger than WMU based on total student enrollment (22,534 students vs. 16,744 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University Indianapolis is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Indiana University Indianapolis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University Indianapolis 13:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

IUPUI vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IUPUI 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 Indiana University Indianapolis than WMU ($12,228 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 8.5% lower than at Indiana University Indianapolis ($12,174 vs. $13,308).
• Western Michigan University is 41.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than IUPUI (about $4,490 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $10,762.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.3% higher at IUPUI than at Western Michigan University (about $15,857 more per year; $34,891.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at Indiana University Indianapolis (94% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana University Indianapolis students is 0.5% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($11,104 vs. $11,048).

IUPUI vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IUPUI 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 IUPUI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana University Indianapolis (1140) is 30 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming IUPUI students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Indianapolis 1030/1240; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Indianapolis 21/29; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IUPUI - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: IUPUI May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IUPUI students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than IUPUI (76.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.6% at IUPUI vs. 13.5% at WMU.

IUPUI vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IUPUI 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 Indiana University Indianapolis's (33%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $300 more per year than IUPUI graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University Indianapolis graduates have a $3,543 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($23,090 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, IUPUI graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($238 vs. $275).
• More WMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IUPUI students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 53%)

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.