University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich) vs Western Michigan University (WMU)

When it comes to higher education in Michigan, two prominent universities that often draw comparisons are the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Western Michigan University. While both institutions offer a wide range of academic programs and opportunities, they differ in several key aspects. This side-by-side comparison will delve into the acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates of these two universities, providing valuable insights for prospective students seeking the best fit for their academic and personal goals. By exploring the data presented in the table below, you can gain a deeper understanding of the unique strengths and characteristics of each institution, helping you make an informed decision about your educational journey.

	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	Western Michigan University
Overview
Location	Ann Arbor, Michigan	Kalamazoo, Michigan
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Trimester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	97.0%	77.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	20.2%	82.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	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	79,743	18,853
Total number of admissions given out	16,071	15,612
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,290	2,112
Yield rate	45.4%	13.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $32,272 Out of state: $69,326	In state: $27,947 Out of state: $31,281
Average net price	$19,205	$19,749
Tuition	In state: $15,850 Out of state: $52,904	In state: $13,334 Out of state: $16,668
Room & board	$12,592	$10,884
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	59.0% Average amount $16,326	95.0% Average amount $6,352
Students receiving federal student loan	24.0% Average amount $5,311	49.0% Average amount $5,188
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $21,796	10.0% Average amount $15,132

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	32,282 Men 48.8% Women 51.2%	14,587 Men 50.1% Women 49.9%
Graduate students	17,996 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%	3,679 Men 37.4% Women 62.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	23.8%
International students	15.7%	7.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	11,629	5,130
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Michigan Illinois Indiana Wisconsin Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Health Professions Business Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	93.7%	56.3%
Dropout rate	5.7%	14.6%
Transferred out	N/A	25.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $185,139 Year 2: $178,741 Year 3: $197,723 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $209,842 Year 2: $168,125 Year 3: $177,935 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $146,285 Year 2: $139,927 Year 3: $151,208 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $139,794 Year 2: $140,166 Year 3: $148,785 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $118,208 Year 2: $112,215 Year 3: $137,273 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $78,398 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $123,926 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $100,643 Year 2: $94,281 Year 3: $117,745 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,847 Year 2: $116,354 Year 3: $116,465 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,171 Year 2: $99,772 Year 3: $107,831 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,194 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,999	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,212 Year 2: $103,274 Year 3: $105,179 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,392 Year 2: $73,801 Year 3: $88,332 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $87,977 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,143 Year 2: $65,945 Year 3: $79,982 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $69,346 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $77,922 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,069 Year 2: $73,562 Year 3: $77,263 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,557 Year 2: $70,776 Year 3: $75,447 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,559 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $73,968 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,118 Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $72,465 Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,803 Year 2: $59,576 Year 3: $69,288

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in academic reputation between the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich) and Western Michigan University (WMU)?

UMich consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States and globally, known for its rigorous academics, renowned faculty, and extensive research opportunities. WMU, while also a respected institution, generally has a regional and state-wide reputation, with a strong focus on practical, career-oriented programs. UMich's reputation often opens doors to more competitive graduate programs and job opportunities, particularly in fields like engineering, law, and medicine.
How does the cost of attendance compare between UMich and WMU?

Generally, WMU is significantly more affordable than UMich, especially for in-state students. Tuition, fees, and living expenses at UMich are considerably higher. While both universities offer financial aid, scholarships, and grants, the overall cost of attending WMU is typically lower, making it a more accessible option for students with budget constraints.
What is the student body like at each university?

UMich has a large and diverse student body, attracting students from all over the world. It fosters a highly competitive and academically driven environment. WMU also has a diverse student body, but it tends to draw a larger proportion of students from Michigan and surrounding states. The atmosphere at WMU is often described as more relaxed and collaborative compared to the highly competitive environment at UMich.
What are the strengths of the academic programs at UMich and WMU?

UMich excels in a wide range of disciplines, with particularly strong programs in engineering, business, law, medicine, and the arts and sciences. It offers extensive research opportunities and a vast array of specialized programs. WMU is known for its strong programs in aviation, engineering, business, education, and healthcare. It emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation, with a focus on practical skills and industry connections.
How do the campus environments differ?

UMich's campus is expansive and historic, located in the vibrant city of Ann Arbor. It offers a bustling atmosphere with numerous cultural events, research facilities, and a strong sense of tradition. WMU's campus is located in Kalamazoo and is also large, but it has a more suburban feel. It provides a more close-knit community atmosphere with a focus on student life and campus activities.
What are the opportunities for research and internships at each university?

UMich provides extensive research opportunities across all disciplines, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and funding. It also has strong connections with major corporations and organizations, offering numerous internship opportunities. WMU also offers research opportunities, particularly in its specialized programs. It has strong ties with regional businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable internship and co-op experiences, especially in fields like engineering and aviation.
How does the availability of student support services compare?

Both universities offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and health services. UMich, due to its larger size, may have more specialized resources and a wider variety of support programs. WMU provides comprehensive support services tailored to its student population, with a focus on personalized attention and student success.
What are the athletic programs like at UMich and WMU?

UMich has a nationally recognized athletic program, competing in the Big Ten Conference. Its football and basketball teams are particularly prominent, and the university boasts a strong athletic tradition. WMU also has a Division I athletic program, competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). While not as nationally recognized as UMich, WMU's athletic programs are popular on campus and provide a strong sense of school spirit.
Which university is better for a student seeking a strong career focus?

WMU often provides a more direct path to career preparation, with programs designed to equip students with practical skills and industry connections. UMich also offers excellent career services, but its broader academic focus may require students to be more proactive in seeking out career-specific opportunities. The best choice depends on the specific field and the student's individual career goals.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

UMich's location in Ann Arbor offers a vibrant city environment with a thriving arts and culture scene, diverse dining options, and easy access to major metropolitan areas like Detroit. WMU's location in Kalamazoo provides a more affordable cost of living and a smaller-town atmosphere, with access to outdoor recreation and a close-knit community. The best location depends on the student's preferred lifestyle and interests.

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