# Western Michigan University

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-michigan-university

## Overview

- **Location:** Kalamazoo, MI
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Urban
- **Region:** Great Lakes
- **Enrollment:** 12,568
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's

With an acceptance rate of 85%, Western Michigan University is an accessible option for students looking for a solid education in areas like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Health Professions. The diverse student body of over 12,500 can find a niche in programs that balance practical skills with theoretical knowledge. The emphasis on real-world applications helps students prepare for careers in industries that are in demand.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $53,562 in their first decade of working. This is a promising figure that reflects the university's ability to equip graduates with the skills needed in various fields. Affordability is also a consideration; the net price after aid stands at $15,273, making it a reasonable choice for many. While the graduation rate is 58%, the supportive environment can help those who might need extra time to complete their degree.

Financially, students graduate with a median debt of $26,188. This figure is manageable for many, especially when considering the average earnings. Those who thrive here often take advantage of the university's strong connections in sectors like Transportation and the Visual & Performing Arts, which can lead to fulfilling careers. Overall, Western Michigan University appeals to students seeking a practical education without overwhelming financial burdens.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 85% |
| SAT Average | N/A |
| ACT Midpoint | 24 |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $15,252 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $19,034 |
| Average Net Price | $15,273 |
| Median Debt | $26,188 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 27% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 47% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $5,263 |
| $30K-$48K | $5,734 |
| $48K-$75K | $13,833 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $23,625 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 58% |
| Retention Rate | 81% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $45,356 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $48,394 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $53,562 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Mobility (Opportunity Insights)

Data source: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Mobility Rate (Q1→Q5) | 100.54% |
| Success Rate (bottom 20% → top 20%) | 2911.5% |
| Students from Bottom 20% | 345.3% |
| Parent Median Income | $112,200 |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.56 |
| Friending Bias | 0.02 |
| Volunteering Rate | 7.1% |
| Support Ratio | 0.98 |

## Innovation (Opportunity Insights Patent Data)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Inventor Rate | 0.428% |
| Total Patents | 137 |
| Total Citations | 377 |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Business & Marketing | 27% |
| Engineering | 8% |
| Transportation | 8% |
| Health Professions | 7% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 7% |
| Education | 6% |
| Psychology | 5% |
| Biology & Biomedical | 4% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 12 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #1 in [Best Business Colleges in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-michigan)
- #5 in [Best MBA Programs in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mba-michigan)
- #9 in [Best Education Colleges in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-education-michigan)
- #10 in [Best Engineering Colleges in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-michigan)
- #11 in [Best Colleges in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-michigan)
- #12 in [Best Psychology Colleges in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-psychology-michigan)
- #13 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-michigan)
- #13 in [Best Master's Programs in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-michigan)
- #15 in [Best Biology Colleges in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-michigan)
- #32 in [Best Nursing Colleges in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-michigan)
- #41 in [Best Colleges in Great Lakes](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-great-lakes)
- #42 in [Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-michigan)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Western Michigan University — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-michigan-university