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Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan · Public

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$45,356

Acceptance Rate

85%

Graduation Rate

57%

Annual Tuition

$15,298

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry — 1% below the national median. Acceptance rate 84.7%, in-state tuition $15,298.

At a Glance

Total Students

12,704

Retention Rate

80%

Faculty Ratio

16

Financial Aid

48%

Median Debt

$26,188

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Institution Overview

Western Michigan University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 84.7%. The university enrolls 12,704 students. The average in-state tuition is $15,298. Approximately 47.9% of students receive financial aid.

The university's graduation rate is 56.5%, with a retention rate of 79.9%. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $43,987. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $45,356, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $53,562. The median debt for students is $26,188.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$44k

1 YEAR

$45k

5 YEARS

$54k

10 YEARS

Top 51% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Western Michigan University alumni earn a median salary of $43,987. Five years after graduation, the median salary is $45,356. Ten years after graduation, the median salary increases to $53,562. The median debt for graduates is $26,188.

Western Michigan University has an 84.7% acceptance rate. The graduation rate is 56.5%, and the retention rate is 79.9%. The in-state tuition is $15,298. Nearly half of the students, 47.9%, receive financial aid.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 315 / yr
Median Salary $83,229

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other

Graduates 230 / yr
Median Salary $38,754

Marketing

Graduates 218 / yr
Median Salary $53,081

Social Work

Graduates 178 / yr
Median Salary $50,907

Biology, General

Graduates 169 / yr
Median Salary $35,955

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Graduates 162 / yr
Median Salary $54,295

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions

Graduates 155 / yr
Median Salary $60,669

Accounting and Related Services

Graduates 149 / yr
Median Salary $64,165

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Graduates 144 / yr
Median Salary $82,252

Finance and Financial Management Services

Graduates 140 / yr
Median Salary $50,787

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduates 135 / yr
Median Salary $75,149

Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Graduates 128 / yr
Median Salary $43,628

Air Transportation

Graduates 126 / yr
Median Salary $34,872

Health and Medical Administrative Services

Graduates 126 / yr
Median Salary $35,024

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 119 / yr
Median Salary $68,260

Psychology, General

Graduates 114 / yr
Median Salary $28,890

Criminal Justice and Corrections

Graduates 112 / yr
Median Salary $39,614

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

Graduates 104 / yr
Median Salary $37,718

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 87 / yr
Median Salary $49,396

Industrial Engineering

Graduates 80 / yr
Median Salary $74,670

Special Education and Teaching

Graduates 76 / yr
Median Salary $56,065

Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

Graduates 73 / yr
Median Salary $35,209

Human Resources Management and Services

Graduates 70 / yr
Median Salary $69,374

Chemical Engineering

Graduates 69 / yr
Median Salary $68,632

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Campus Location

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5200

Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The campus is in a city setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 84.7%.