UM-Dearborn vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Michigan Dearborn in Dearborn, 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 UM-Dearborn based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 8,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

UM-Dearborn vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM-Dearborn 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 University of Michigan Dearborn than WMU ($11,521 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Michigan Dearborn are 7.7% lower than at Western Michigan University ($11,241 vs. $12,174).
• University of Michigan Dearborn is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $388 more per year; $15,640.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.8% higher at UM-Dearborn than at Western Michigan University (about $13,862 more per year; $32,896.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Michigan Dearborn than at Western Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Michigan Dearborn students is 9.7% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($12,124 vs. $11,048).

UM-Dearborn vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UM-Dearborn 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 UM-Dearborn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Michigan Dearborn (1120) is 10 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming UM-Dearborn students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Dearborn 990/1255; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Dearborn 24/28; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM-Dearborn - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UM-Dearborn Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UM-Dearborn students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than UM-Dearborn (55.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at UM-Dearborn vs. 13.5% at WMU.

UM-Dearborn vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM-Dearborn 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 University of Michigan Dearborn's (49%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Dearborn earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Michigan Dearborn graduates have a $883 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, UM-Dearborn graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($266 vs. $275).
• More WMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UM-Dearborn students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 46%)

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.