K-State vs Western Michigan University (WMU)
Kansas State University and Western Michigan University, both public research universities with rich histories, offer distinct educational experiences. Kansas State, located in the vibrant college town of Manhattan, Kansas, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, while Western Michigan, situated in the charming city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, offers a more intimate learning environment. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into the differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, ensuring you make an informed decision that sets you on the path to success.
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![]() Kansas State University |
![]() Western Michigan University |
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Overview |
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Location | Manhattan, Kansas | Kalamazoo, Michigan |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 86.0% | 77.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 95.6% | 82.8% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$65
|
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$50
|
SAT range | N/A | 1000 - 1220 |
ACT range | N/A | 21 - 27 |
Students submitting SAT score | 37.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 7.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 9,822 | 18,853 |
Total number of admissions given out | 9,391 | 15,612 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,848 | 2,112 |
Yield rate | 30.3% | 13.5% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$23,866
Out of state:
$39,937
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In state:
$27,947
Out of state:
$31,281
|
Average net price | $19,874 | $19,749 |
Tuition |
In state:
$9,489
Out of state:
$25,560
|
In state:
$13,334
Out of state:
$16,668
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,200
Meal plan:
$4,900
|
$10,884 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
88.0%
Average amount $6,774 |
95.0%
Average amount $6,352 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
41.0%
Average amount $5,095 |
49.0%
Average amount $5,188 |
Students taking out private loans |
5.0%
Average amount $14,579 |
10.0%
Average amount $15,132 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
15,619
Men 50.3% Women 49.7% |
14,587
Men 50.1% Women 49.9% |
Graduate students |
4,610
Men 38.7% Women 61.3% |
3,679
Men 37.4% Women 62.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 21.8% | 23.8% |
International students | 5.4% | 7.3% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 5,696 | 5,130 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Kansas Missouri Texas Nebraska Colorado | Michigan Illinois Indiana Wisconsin Ohio |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
|
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Students to faculty ratio | 19:1 | 16:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 68.4% | 56.3% |
Dropout rate | 9.3% | 14.6% |
Transferred out | 20.4% | 25.6% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Food Science and Technology (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Architectural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Agricultural and Food Products Processing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees)
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