Trine University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Trine University in Angola, IN 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 Trine University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 4,646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Trine University is located in Angola, IN (Distant Town setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Trine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Trine University 16:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Trine University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Trine 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 Trine University ($17,331 vs. $25,355).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 7.2% lower than at Trine University ($12,174 vs. $13,120).
• Trine University is 139.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $21,308 more per year; $36,560.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.1% higher at Trine University than at Western Michigan University (about $17,526 more per year; $36,560.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Trine University than at Western Michigan University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Trine University students is 133.1% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($25,754 vs. $11,048).

Trine University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Trine University (1140) is 30 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Trine University 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: Trine University 1030/1240; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Trine University 21/28; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Trine University - Test-free; WMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Trine University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Trine University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at WMU (3.5).
• Trine University has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at Trine University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Trine University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Trine 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 Trine University's (44%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Trine University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Trine University graduates have a $1,483 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($25,150 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Trine University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($260 vs. $275).
• More Trine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.