IU South Bend vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University South Bend in South Bend, 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 IU South Bend based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 4,631 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University South Bend is located in South Bend, IN (Midsize City setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Indiana University South Bend 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 South Bend 15:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

IU South Bend vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU South Bend 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 South Bend than WMU ($9,003 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University South Bend are 16.3% lower than at Western Michigan University ($10,184 vs. $12,174).
• Western Michigan University is 81.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU South Bend (about $6,828 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.8% higher at IU South Bend than at Western Michigan University (about $3,777 more per year; $22,811.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at Indiana University South Bend (94% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Michigan University students is 32% larger than aid received by Indiana University South Bend students ($11,048 vs. $8,371).

IU South Bend vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU South Bend 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 IU South Bend.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 40 points higher than at IU South Bend (1070).
• Incoming WMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at IU South Bend).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 950/1190; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 21/23; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU South Bend - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at IU South Bend (3.24).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than IU South Bend (83.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at IU South Bend vs. 13.5% at WMU.

IU South Bend vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU South Bend 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 South Bend's (22%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than IU South Bend graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University South Bend graduates have a $2,103 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($24,530 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, IU South Bend graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($253 vs. $275).
• More WMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU South Bend students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 47%)

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.