North Park University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare North Park University in Chicago, 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 North Park University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 2,557 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Park University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• North Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Park University 12:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

North Park University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Park 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 North Park University ($17,331 vs. $20,372).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Park University are 8.9% lower than at Western Michigan University ($11,090 vs. $12,174).
• North Park University is 140.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $21,458 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.9% higher at North Park University than at Western Michigan University (about $17,676 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Park University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 121.5% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($24,476 vs. $11,048).

North Park University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Park 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 North Park University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 80 points higher than at North Park University (1030).
• Incoming North Park 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: North Park University 890/1162; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Park University 20/26; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Park University - Test-free; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at North Park University (3.14).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than North Park University (68.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at North Park University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

North Park University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Park 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 North Park University's (52%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than North Park University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Park University graduates have a $383 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($26,250 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, North Park University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($271 vs. $275).
• More North Park University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.