Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, United States
- Cost of Living$ 16,296
- Tuition Fee From$ 11,080
- Country Rank-
- Batch Strength18,211
- Global Diversity8%
- Gender Ratio51:49
Overview
About
Western Michigan University was established in 1903 as a national research university. Originally known as the Western State Normal School, the university offered two-year training programs to students. It was renamed several times before acquiring its current name. The institution had its first batch of classes in 1904, with 117 students enrolled. Furthermore, the institution conferred its first master's degree in 1953 and its first doctorate degree in 1968. In the year 2000, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching designated WMU as a research university.
It is a learner-centred, discovery-driven, and internationally-oriented public university that distinguishes itself from more than 4,600 higher education institutions in the United States. Nearly 24,000 students from the country and 100 other countries attend the university. Western Michigan University’s acceptance rate stands at 84.9% which indicates that its admissions are lenient and overseas students find it easy to enrol at the institution. It provides 256-degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and ESL degrees. These programs are available at seven degree-granting schools -
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Arts & Sciences
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Aviation
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Education & Human Development
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Engineering & Applied Sciences
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Fine Arts
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Haworth College of Business
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Health & Human Services
WMU has a national and international track record as one of the best universities to study in fields as diverse as aviation flight science, creative writing, engineering management technology, evaluation, experimental atomic physics, geology, integrated supply management, jazz studies, mediaeval studies, occupational therapy, paper engineering, psychology, and more. Whenever practical, education is organised such that graduating students can immediately offer value to their employers. Furthermore, the university's business-industry alliances and exchange agreements with companies all over the world give limitless opportunities for students to get internships, conduct research, gain field experience, and study abroad.
The university's campus spans around 1,250 acres in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It has some of the best facilities in the Midwest. The institution has four campuses: East Campus, Parkview Campus, Main Campus, and the College of Aviation. Western Michigan University has a culturally diversified student population from all over the world. Among the prominent graduates who have gone on to have successful careers include television personality Terry Crews, novelist Richelle Mead, and award-winning actress Marin Mazzie.
Ranking
QS World University Ranking 2024:
Western Michigan University has shown excellence by securing 1001–1200 spot on the global scale.WMU is ranked among the top 11% of all universities in the United States. Several prestigious ranking systems have granted top Western Michigan University rankings, including QS Rankings, THE Rankings, US News, ARWU, and others. Most of the university's seven colleges have been recognised and assessed by various rating platforms across a variety of critical parameters. The institution is recognised for providing students with a one-of-a-kind learning experience, and high levels of student satisfaction have influenced university rankings. The university’s other ranking highlights include the following -
- THE University Rankings 2022 - #1201+
- US News & World Report - National Universities 2022 - #263
- THE US Universities Rankings 2022 - #501 - 600
- Forbes: Top Colleges in 2022 - #564
- Wall Street Journal Rankings 2022 - #401 - 500
- Washington Monthly Rankings 2022 - #199
Course-Wise Rankings
Several courses at WMU have been ranked by platforms such as THE Rankings, US News, and QS Rankings. A few of the popular ranking highlights of the university include -
Business Courses
- THE PG Business & Economics 2022 - #601+
- US News: UG Business 2022 - #244
Engineering Courses
- THE PG Engineering & Technology 2022 - #601 - 800
- US News PG Civil Engineering 2022 - #146
- US News PG Electrical Engineering 2022 - #170
Computer Courses
- US News PG Computer Engineering 2022 - #122
Science Courses
- THE Psychology Rankings 2022 - #401 - 500
Humanities Courses
- THE Arts & Humanities 2022 - #501+
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2025
#1201 - 1400
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2023
#1001 - 1200
#1327
2022
#1001 - 1200
#1327
Facilities
WMU's mission for students is to help them to excel in their academic and personal lives as Broncos. The university believes that student life is at the heart of the collegiate experience. Students may get engaged and involved via 300 registered student groups and clubs, over 4,000 events presented each year, the campus activities board, and Greek life. Students have access to two nature preserves for educational and research reasons. Furthermore, the campuses provide several student-friendly Western Michigan University facilities such as cafés, dining halls, and parking lots. The college offers a number of regional instructional centres situated throughout Michigan. The following are some of the other frequently utilised university facilities -
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Career & Student Employment
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Health & Wellness
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Student Engagement
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Student Affairs
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Student Media
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Housing & Dining
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Computer Lab
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Bookstore
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Cafes & Market
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Western Michigan University Entry Requirements
Applications are accepted for the autumn, spring, and summer semesters. Students are accepted on a rolling basis at the institute. Undergraduates, on the other hand, are advised to apply for either the Fall or Spring intake. All students must submit their applications online. When submitting their applications, international candidates must meet the Western Michigan University entry requirements. Students must ensure that their official documents are sent directly from the granting school or testing organisation to the International Admissions and Services. Hard copies of documents/transcripts are also acceptable. They must be in the issuing institution's sealed envelope. Documents submitted by applicants who do not have an issuing institution will be rejected. The following are the requirements for international students to attend WMU -
- Official Academic High School Transcripts for undergraduate applicants
- Official Bachelor’s degree transcripts for graduate applicants
- Overall grade of C or GPA of 4.0
- ACT/SAT scores as required by the course
- A valid passport copy
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- An SOP
- English Language Proficiency Scores: TOEFL iBT - 71 to 80; IELTS - 6.0 to 6,5; PTE - 48 to 54; Duolingo - 95 to 105
- Work experience if required
- Interview round
Western Michigan University Fees
Western Michigan University's fees are established by the Board of Trustees. Typically, tuition and fees are payable on the first day of the semester or session. Tuition costs vary depending on whether students are enrolled in undergraduate courses, online courses, graduate courses, or military and dependents tuition. Furthermore, the institution includes a cost of attendance calculator that assists students in determining their overall tuition expenditures while attending university. Some of the university's best courses, as well as their typical yearly costs, are mentioned below -
- MBA - $18,994
- MS Data Science - $15,829
- MS Engineering Management - $15,829
- MS Computer Science - $15,829
- MS Supply Chain Management - $17,412
- BS Aviation Management & Operations - $16,376
Placements
According to the university data, around 71% of its 2020 graduates were employed full-time, and 91% of graduates have a job connected to their degree. Amazon, Henry Ford Health System, Target, Kellogg's, Charles River Laboratories, Stryker, Whirlpool, Samaritas, Spectrum Health, Hope Network, and other notable companies provide graduates with great West Michigan University placements.
Scholarship
Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organizations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the Western Michigan University through UniScholars. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:
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Merit-based scholarships
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Need-based scholarships
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Country-specific scholarships
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College-specific scholarships
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Student-specific scholarships
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Western Michigan University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the Western Michigan University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
Kalamazoo, Michigan was recently recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the 150 Best Places to Live in the United States in 2020-21, as well as the No. 1 Coolest Place in the United States with the lowest cost of living. According to the Cost of Living Index, the Kalamazoo-Portage Metro has the lowest cost of living in the US in the first quarter of 2022. Many students find it easy to budget their cost of living in Kalamazoo, and the table below can help students further estimate their average monthly expenses -
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Particulars |
Cost (Monthly) |
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Off-Campus Accommodation |
$730 |
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On-Campus Accommodation |
$612 |
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Transportation |
$92 |
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Food Cost |
$327 |
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Utility Cost |
$116 |
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Entertainment |
$48 |
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Groceries |
$54 |
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Clothes |
$107 |
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Health Insurance |
$80 |
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Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation |
$1,554 |
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Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation |
$1,436 |
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Annual Cost of Living |
$18,648 |