WMU vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI with Capital University in Columbus, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Michigan University 16:1; Capital University 9:1.

WMU vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU or Capital University? 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 Capital University ($17,331 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 6.2% lower than at Capital University ($12,174 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 183.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $27,982 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 127.1% higher at Capital University than at Western Michigan University (about $24,200 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Western Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 212% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($34,471 vs. $11,048).

WMU vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WMU or Capital University? 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 Capital University and WMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 60 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming WMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Capital University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 990/1220; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

WMU vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU and Capital University? 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Capital University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $47,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Michigan University graduates have a $367 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($26,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WMU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.