WMU vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

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

Western Michigan University is larger than University of Akron based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 13,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Michigan University 16:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

WMU vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus than WMU ($14,693 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 2.2% lower than at Western Michigan University ($11,904 vs. $12,174).
• Western Michigan University is 16.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $2,117 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.4% higher at University of Akron than at Western Michigan University (about $1,781 more per year; $20,815.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Akron Main Campus than at Western Michigan University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students is 4.6% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($11,551 vs. $11,048).

WMU vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

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

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 60 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming WMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at University of Akron).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 990/1220; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at University of Akron (3.47).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

WMU vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU and University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Akron Main Campus graduates have a $1,133 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($25,500 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, University of Akron graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($263 vs. $275).
• More WMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 45%)

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.