WMU vs. UNG

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI with University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of North Georgia is larger than WMU based on total student enrollment (19,291 students vs. 16,744 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); University of North Georgia is in Dahlonega, GA (Distant Town setting).
• Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Georgia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Michigan University 16:1; University of North Georgia 19:1.

WMU vs. UNG Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU or UNG? 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 North Georgia than WMU ($11,157 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 4.7% lower than at University of North Georgia ($12,174 vs. $12,770).
• Western Michigan University is 188.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNG (about $9,967 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $5,285.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.3% higher at WMU than at University of North Georgia (about $2,531 more per year; $19,034.00 vs. $16,503.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at University of North Georgia (94% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Michigan University students is 52.9% larger than aid received by University of North Georgia students ($11,048 vs. $7,226).

WMU vs. UNG Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WMU or UNG? 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 UNG and WMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 10 points higher than at UNG (1100).
• Incoming WMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at UNG).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 990/1220; University of North Georgia 980/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; University of North Georgia 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; UNG - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UNG Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have the same average high school GPA (3.5) as students at UNG (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than UNG (67.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 47.9% at UNG.

WMU vs. UNG Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU and UNG? 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).

• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than UNG graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $44,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of North Georgia graduates have a $10,133 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($16,500 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, UNG graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($170 vs. $275).
• More UNG graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.