Kettering University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Kettering University in Flint, 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 Kettering University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 1,466 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kettering University is located in Flint, MI (Midsize City setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Kettering University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kettering University 11:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Kettering University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kettering 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 Kettering University ($17,331 vs. $35,609).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kettering University are 14.6% lower than at Western Michigan University ($10,400 vs. $12,174).
• Kettering University is 217.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $33,218 more per year; $48,470.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 154.6% higher at Kettering University than at Western Michigan University (about $29,436 more per year; $48,470.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kettering University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kettering University students is 132.1% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($25,641 vs. $11,048).

Kettering University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kettering 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 Kettering University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kettering University (1250) is 140 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Kettering University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kettering University 1160/1330; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kettering University 26/30; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kettering University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Kettering University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Kettering University (78.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Kettering University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Kettering University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kettering 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).

• Kettering University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Kettering University earn a median of about $27,100 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,000 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kettering University graduates have a $234 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($26,399 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Kettering University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($272 vs. $275).
• More Kettering University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.