WMU vs. Niagara University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Michigan University is larger than Niagara University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 4,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); Niagara University is in Niagara University, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Niagara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Michigan University 16:1; Niagara University 10:1.

WMU vs. Niagara University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU or Niagara 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 Niagara University than WMU ($16,613 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 9.1% lower than at Niagara University ($12,174 vs. $13,400).
• Niagara University is 158% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $24,093 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.7% higher at Niagara University than at Western Michigan University (about $20,311 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Niagara University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Niagara University students is 203.9% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($33,575 vs. $11,048).

WMU vs. Niagara University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Niagara University (1150) is 40 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Niagara University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 990/1220; Niagara University 1060/1235.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; Niagara University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; Niagara University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Niagara University Aug 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Niagara University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at WMU (3.5).
• Niagara University has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 14.5% at Niagara University.

WMU vs. Niagara University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU and Niagara 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).

• Niagara University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Niagara University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Niagara University graduates have a $1,633 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Niagara University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($258 vs. $275).
• More Niagara University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.