WMU vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

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

Portland State University is larger than WMU based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 16,744 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Michigan University 16:1; Portland State University 17:1.

WMU vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU or Portland State 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 Portland State University than WMU ($10,195 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 11.3% lower than at Portland State University ($12,174 vs. $13,728).
• Western Michigan University is 30.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $3,573 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.3% higher at Portland State University than at Western Michigan University (about $12,040 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at Portland State University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Michigan University students is 3.9% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($11,048 vs. $10,629).

WMU vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Portland State University (1130) is 20 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming WMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 990/1220; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

WMU vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU and Portland State 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).

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Portland State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $3,999 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($22,634 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($234 vs. $275).
• More Portland State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.