WMU vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI with Carroll University in Waukesha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Carroll University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 3,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); Carroll University is in Waukesha, WI (Small City setting).
• Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Michigan University 16:1; Carroll University 14:1.

WMU vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU or Carroll 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 Carroll University ($17,331 vs. $27,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 14.7% lower than at Carroll University ($12,174 vs. $14,280).
• Carroll University is 155% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $23,638 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 104.3% higher at Carroll University than at Western Michigan University (about $19,856 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carroll University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carroll University students is 132% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($25,634 vs. $11,048).

WMU vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carroll University (1160) is 50 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Carroll 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: Western Michigan University 990/1220; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; Carroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Carroll University (66.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

WMU vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU and Carroll 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).

• Carroll University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Carroll University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Michigan University graduates have a $367 lower median loan debt than Carroll University graduates ($26,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WMU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll University graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Carroll University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.