Western Michigan University (WMU) vs. Michigan State University (MSU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to WMU or MSU?“
Western Michigan University (WMU)
Michigan State University (MSU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Western Michigan University (WMU) and Michigan State University (MSU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Western Michigan University (WMU) and Michigan State University (MSU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Western Michigan University (WMU) and Michigan State University (MSU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Western Michigan University (WMU) | Michigan State University (MSU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $11,029 | $13,560 |
| Net Price | $16,870 | $16,788 |
| Average Financial Aid | $7,402 | $9,817 |
| Total Undergraduates | 18179 | 38853 |
| Average SAT Scores | 880 - 1160 | 980 - 1260 |
| Acceptance Rate | 82 | 66 |
| Location | 1903 W Michigan Ave | N/A |
| City Name | Kalamazoo | East Lansing |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Michigan State University (MSU) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Kalamazoo and East Lansing. WMU is in a East North Central and MSU is in a East North Central - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Western Michigan University (WMU) or Michigan State University (MSU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Michigan State University (MSU) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Michigan State University (MSU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Western Michigan University (WMU) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do WMU Dorms Compare to housing Options at MSU?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. WMU charges for on-campus living, while MSU charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
WMU and MSU student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Western Michigan University (WMU), % | MSU,% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 72.36 | 67.42 |
| Hispanic | 5.390000000000001 | 4.04 |
| Black | 12.379999999999999 | 6.94 |
| Foreign | 3.53 | 12.98 |
| Others | 6.3 | 8.6 |
How different is the Western Michigan University (WMU) campus compared to Michigan State University (MSU) campus?
The WMU campus is located in Kalamazoo, MI and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000). The MSU campus is located in East Lansing, MI and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000).
Which school gives more financial aid?
WMU provides $7,402 whereas MSU provides an average of $9,817.
How does WMU academics compare to MSU?
When analyzing academics between Western Michigan University (WMU) and Michigan State University (MSU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | WMU | MSU |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | 334 |
| Natural resources and conservation | 11 | 133 |
| Architecture and related services | 3 | 23 |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 6 | 10 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 186 | 1147 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 83 | 170 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 269 | 778 |
| Education | 204 | 239 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | 53 | 279 |
Which is better: Western Michigan University (WMU) or Michigan State University (MSU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between WMU and MSU. But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does WMU social life compare to MSU?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how WMU social life differs from MSU.
Check here.
Check here.