Thomas More vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, KY 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 Thomas More based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 2,350 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas More University is located in Crestview Hills, KY (Large Suburban setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Thomas More University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas More University 14:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Thomas More vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas More 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 Thomas More ($17,331 vs. $22,297).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas More University are 18.7% lower than at Western Michigan University ($9,900 vs. $12,174).
• Thomas More University is 160.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $24,548 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.1% higher at Thomas More than at Western Michigan University (about $20,766 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas More University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas More University students is 146.8% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($27,271 vs. $11,048).

Thomas More vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas More 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 Thomas More.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas More University (1130) is 20 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Thomas More students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas More University 1030/1230; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas More University 21/27; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas More - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Thomas More (3.35).
• Thomas More has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Thomas More vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Thomas More vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas More 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 Thomas More University's (52%).
• Graduates from Thomas More University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Michigan University graduates have a $367 lower median loan debt than Thomas More graduates ($26,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WMU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Thomas More graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Thomas More graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.