WMU vs. Gannon University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI with Gannon University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Gannon University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 4,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); Gannon University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Gannon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Michigan University 16:1; Gannon University 11:1.

WMU vs. Gannon University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU or Gannon 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 Gannon University ($17,331 vs. $23,123).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 23.7% lower than at Gannon University ($12,174 vs. $15,960).
• Gannon University is 166.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $25,404 more per year; $40,656.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113.6% higher at Gannon University than at Western Michigan University (about $21,622 more per year; $40,656.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at Gannon University (94% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gannon University students is 169.7% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($29,799 vs. $11,048).

WMU vs. Gannon University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gannon University (1120) is 10 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Gannon 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; Gannon University 990/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; Gannon University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; Gannon University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Gannon University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Gannon University (74.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 11.4% at Gannon University.

WMU vs. Gannon University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU and Gannon 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).

• Gannon University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Gannon University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,900 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 Gannon University graduates ($26,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WMU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gannon University graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Gannon University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.