Michigan State University vs Western Michigan University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Michigan State University and Western Michigan University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Michigan State University vs Western Michigan University at a glance
Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and Western Michigan University 84.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $21,322 at Michigan State University and $13,902 at Western Michigan University. Six-year graduation rates are 80.3% and 58.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and Western Michigan University 84.6%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $21,322 a year at Michigan State University and $13,902 at Western Michigan University; Western Michigan University costs $7,420 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $11,741 at Michigan State University and $5,317 at Western Michigan University.
- 80.3% of students graduate within six years at Michigan State University, against 58.6% at Western Michigan University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $74,168 for Michigan State University and $57,828 for Western Michigan University; Michigan State University is $16,340 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,000 at Michigan State University and $25,000 at Western Michigan University.
- Michigan State University enrolls 40,922 students (small city) and Western Michigan University 12,568 (small city).
Side by side
Michigan State University and Western Michigan University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Michigan State University | Western Michigan University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 84.8% | 84.6% |
| Applicants | 50,630 | 18,853 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1180–1360 | 1000–1220 |
| ACT middle 50% | 25–31 | 21–27 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $21,322 | $13,902 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,256 | $15,954 |
| Tuition, out of state | $44,640 | $19,908 |
| Cost of attendance | $33,710 | $30,098 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $11,741 | $5,317 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,883 | $5,256 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,300 | $10,093 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $22,082 | $15,678 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,356 | $23,166 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.3% | 58.6% |
| First-year retention | 90.1% | 81.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $74,168 | $57,828 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $227 | $284 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 40,922 | 12,568 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Small |
| Location | East Lansing, MI | Kalamazoo, MI |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Michigan State University reports 104 bachelor's programs and Western Michigan University 100; 64 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Michigan State University vs Western Michigan University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Michigan State University or Western Michigan University?
Western Michigan University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and Western Michigan University admits 84.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Michigan State University 1180–1360; Western Michigan University 1000–1220.
Which is cheaper, Michigan State University or Western Michigan University?
Western Michigan University has the lower average net price after grants: $21,322 a year at Michigan State University against $13,902 at Western Michigan University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $11,741 and $5,317. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Michigan State University or Western Michigan University graduates earn more?
Michigan State University graduates earn more at the median: $74,168 ten years after entry for Michigan State University and $57,828 for Western Michigan University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,000 and $25,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Michigan State University or Western Michigan University?
Michigan State University does: 80.3% of Michigan State University students graduate within six years, against 58.6% at Western Michigan University.
How big are Michigan State University and Western Michigan University?
Michigan State University has 40,922 students in East Lansing, MI and Western Michigan University has 12,568 students in Kalamazoo, MI.