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Western Michigan University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as WMU

Western Michigan University accepts 85% of applicants. It is a public university in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with about 12,568 undergraduates. The sticker price is $28,615 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $13,902.

85%Acceptance rate
960–1180Middle 50% SAT
18–25Middle 50% ACT
$13,902Average cost after aid / year
59%Graduation rate
$49,938Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for WMU?

Admitly estimates a typical Michigan resident needs about a 2.7 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.1 for admission to be likely (80%+).

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Western Michigan University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1070, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAMichigan residentOut-of-state
2.547% Target21% Reach
2.755% Target27% Reach
3.076% Target48% Target
3.389% Likely70% Target
3.594% Likely81% Likely
3.796% Likely89% Likely
3.997% Likely91% Likely
4.097% Likely91% Likely

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Western Michigan University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $28,615 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$7,200$8,700
$50k – $100k$10,100$13,500
$100k – $150k$15,700$19,000
$150k – $250k$25,000$28,400
Over $250k$27,300$30,700

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

59%Finish their degree
81%Return for second year
$49,938Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Western Michigan University

What is the acceptance rate at Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University admits 85% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Western Michigan University?

Admitly estimates a typical Michigan resident needs about a 2.7 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.1 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Western Michigan University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 960–1180 on the SAT and 18–25 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Western Michigan University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $28,615 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $13,902 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $7,200 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at Western Michigan University?

59% of students finish their degree, and 81% return for a second year.

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