Rochester University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rochester University in Rochester Hills, 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 Rochester University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rochester University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rochester 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 Rochester University ($17,331 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 13.9% lower than at Western Michigan University ($10,486 vs. $12,174).
• Rochester University is 91.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $13,944 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.4% higher at Rochester University than at Western Michigan University (about $10,162 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 78.1% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($19,674 vs. $11,048).

Rochester University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 160 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Incoming WMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Rochester University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 840/1060; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 17/23; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rochester University - Test-free; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Rochester University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Rochester University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rochester 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 Rochester University's (42%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $2,230 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($24,403 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($252 vs. $275).
• More WMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 45%)

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.