Lewis University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lewis University in Romeoville, IL 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 Lewis University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 7,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lewis University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lewis 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 Lewis University ($17,331 vs. $18,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lewis University are 0.3% lower than at Western Michigan University ($12,140 vs. $12,174).
• Lewis University is 157% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $23,948 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.9% higher at Lewis University than at Western Michigan University (about $20,166 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 159.9% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($28,717 vs. $11,048).

Lewis University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 20 points higher than at Lewis University (1090).
• Incoming Lewis University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at WMU (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis University 960/1210; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis University 20/27; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lewis University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Lewis University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Lewis University (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Lewis University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Lewis University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lewis 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).

• Lewis University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Lewis University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lewis University graduates have a $2,008 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($24,625 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Lewis University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($254 vs. $275).
• More Lewis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.