Lake Superior State University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, 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 Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Superior State University 13:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Lake Superior State University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University than WMU ($12,339 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 5.9% lower than at Western Michigan University ($11,459 vs. $12,174).
• Western Michigan University is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $362 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at WMU than at Lake Superior State University (about $4,144 more per year; $19,034.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at Lake Superior State University (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Superior State University students is 32.4% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($14,632 vs. $11,048).

Lake Superior State University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is the same as at WMU (1110).
• Incoming WMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Lake Superior State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 1000/1225; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 19/26; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Superior State University - Not reported; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Lake Superior State University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $3,383 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($240 vs. $275).
• More Lake Superior State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.