Western Michigan University (WMU) vs. Central Michigan University

Two Rivalry Colleges in Mid-American Conference

  • Both Western Michigan University (WMU) and Central Michigan University are public.
  • Both schools are located in Michigan.
  • WMU has more expensive tuition of $19,098 than Central Michigan University ($14,190).
  • Central Michigan University has tighter acceptance rate of 67.75% than WMU (82.32%).
  • WMU has higher SAT scores of 1,100 than Central Michigan University (1,090).
  • WMU is larger with 17,000 students than Central Michigan University (14,557 students).
Western Michigan University

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Central Michigan University

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#248 in National Universities
#27 in Michigan
Rankings#158 in National Universities
#7 in Michigan
Public, 4-yearsSchool TypePublic, 4-years
Kalamazoo, MILocationMount Pleasant, MI
WMUKnown as
1 Year Certificate
2 Year Certificate
Bachelor's
Post-Bachelor Certificate
Master's
Post-Master Certificate
Doctorate (Research)
Doctorate (Professional Practice)
Offered Degrees1 Year Certificate
Bachelor's
Post-Bachelor Certificate
Master's
Post-Master Certificate
Doctorate (Research)
Doctorate (Professional Practice)
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
Tuition & Fees
$15,298 Michigan residents
$19,098 out-of-state
Undergraduate$13,703 Michigan residents
$14,190 out-of-state
$19,277 Michigan residents
$28,454 out-of-state
Graduate$16,293
$7,061Financial Aid$9,868
Admission
$40 undergraduate
$50 graduate
Application Fee$40 undergraduate
$50 graduate
82.32%Acceptance Rate67.75%
27.07%Yield23.87%
1,100 SAT, 23 ACTTest Scores1,090 SAT, 24 ACT
Student Population
17,000Total Students14,557
13,589Undergraduate10,401
3,411Graduate4,156
1,811Online Enrollment3,086
Graduation Rate & Outcomes
55%Graduation Rate61%
26%Transfer-out Rate
77%Retention Rate72%
$50,500Average Earning after Graduation$46,200
Special Learning Opportunities and Student Services
Online Degree/Certificate Program Offered for Both Undergraduate and GraduateDistance Learning (Online Classes)Online Degree/Certificate Program Offered for Both Undergraduate and Graduate
ROTC
Study Abroad
Teacher Certifiate
Special OpportunitiesROTC
Study Abroad
Weekend/Evening College
Teacher Certifiate
✔ (Dormitory Capacity: 5,075)On-Campus Living✔ (Dormitory Capacity: 4,650)
$5,562 average annual costs
✔ (99 meals per week)Meal Plan✔ (99 meals per week)
$5,686 average annual costs
Faculties and Staffs
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
752 Full-time
360 Part-time
Number of Faculties717 Full-time
235 Part-time
2,147 Full-time
574 Part-time
Number of Staffs2,132 Full-time
368 Part-time
$92,796 for Faculties
$63,718 Part-time
Average Salary$90,760 for Faculties
$59,786 Part-time
All data used in our site is from IPEDS (The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), U.S. Department of Education, academic year 2022-2023