Western Michigan University (WMU), headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a mid-tier public research university with a student body of around 18,000. It is recognized for its Aviation, Business, Engineering, Education, and Health Professions programs. Admissions are relatively open, with an acceptance rate of around 85%. The graduation rate at WMU is roughly 55%, and the average starting salaries of its graduates stand at USD $45,000–50,000 (INR 37–42 lakhs) per annum.
The Michigan State University (MSU), which is based in East Lansing, Michigan, is also a large public research and Big Ten university with much more of a student body of roughly 51,000 students.Admissions are more competitive than WMU, with an acceptance rate of approximately 84%. MSU has a better graduation rate of around 81%, and their graduates receive average starting salaries ranging from USD $52,000–57,000 (INR 43–48 lakhs) per year.
| Western Michigan University | Michigan State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 6.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1201 QS World University 2026 # 1201 QS World University 2025 # 1201 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 105 Times Higher Education 2026 # 161 QS World University 2026 # 122 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 181 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 436 for Medicine by Round University Ranking 2018 # 180 for Law by US News 2024 | # 137 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -116 PG Programs -44 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -144 PG Programs -88 Doctorate Programs -8 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85.0 % | 84.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-115 IELTS-6.5 PTE-54 TOEFL-80 | Duolingo-110 GMAT-600 IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 SAT-1100 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 16927 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 16448 [For PG Program] | Average Tuition Fees 41492 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28280 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 12564 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | About nine out of 10 Western grads, they got a job or got into that graduate school program shortly after graduation. 91% of recent graduates working full time said they were satisfied with their job, earning a median salary of $55,000–$65,000. Some of the top employers of the university are: Amazon, Google, Pfizer, General Motors, Bronson, Delta Airlines, Kelloggs, Target etc. | Average annual salary: 70,455 USD; Top recruiters: General Motors Corporation, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Ford Motor Company, FCA Corp; Highest paid degrees: MBA (111,000 USD), Masters in Science (102,000 USD), Masters (90,000 USD), Masters of Arts (84,000 USD), Doctorate (81,000 USD), PhD (72,000 USD). |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements | Academic transcripts; 2-3 Essays; 2-3 LORs; Resume; Standardized tests; Proof of English language proficiency; Additional requirements (Research proposals, interview, etc.) |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.3/10 Read 1 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 14 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 35 for Business by US News 2025 # 53 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 78 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 115/160GRE - 296/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 48/90TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 7/9PTE - 70/90TOEFL - 100/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -18994 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Dec 15, 2023 (Early Action Application Deadline For Fall Intake) Jan 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake) May 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake Round 2) Jun 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake Round 1) | Oct 7, 2025 (Round 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Nov 11, 2025 (Round 1 Decision Deadline For 2026 Intake) Nov 25, 2025 (Round 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Jan 31, 2026 (Round 2 Decision Deadline For 2026 Intake) Feb 17, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Western Michigan University | Michigan State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1903 | 1855 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 18:1:1 | 17:1 |
| Male:Female | 48% Male, 0% Female | 49% Male, 51% Female |
| Location Facts | WMU's campuses encompass more than 1,200 acres and roughly 150 buildings. Western Michigan University is divided into five campuses in and near Kalamazoo: West Campus | located in East Lansing, Michigan; perched on the banks of Red Cedar River; spread over 5,300 acres with 563 buildings on-campus. |
| Library | Western Michigan University Libraries is dedicated to helping you discover, explore and shape the information universe. Libraries provide a wide range of resources, programs and services that support the research, creative and academic pursuits of WMU and the global community. | 29th largest academic library system in North America; over 7 million volumes & 6.7 million microforms; In 2018, Digital Scholarship Lab opened (built in partnership with the College of Arts and Letters) |
| Hostel | - | #Food and housing - $12564 |
| Famous Alumni | Tim Allen, actor | 634,300 living alumni; Magic Johnson (American basketball player); Eli Broad (American entrepreneur); Sam Raimi (American filmmaker); Draymond Green (American basketball player); Tyler Oakley (America Youtuber); Richa Langella (Indian film actress); Timothy Granaderos (American actor); Verghese Kurien (Father of White Revolution in India); Peter Schmidt (American economist & econometrician). |
| City Life | Kalamazoo is as fun and quirky as its unusual name suggests. Its theaters, museums and live music venues make the city an arts and culture hot spot, and its craft brewery scene attracts visitors from around the region. Community events such as chili cook-offs, vintage fairs and farmers markets make this metro area a place where residents never find themselves without something to do. Shoppers can explore the Kalamazoo Mall, the nation’s first outdoor pedestrian mall, or The Crossroads in Portage. Hiking trails and green space throughout the area, including Asylum Lake Preserve and Portage Creek Bicentennial Park, provide recreation opportunities for nature lovers. The local arts scene in Kalamazoo is thriving. The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo hosts Art Hop, a free event displaying the work of local artists all around downtown, once a month. One draw of Kalamazoo and the nearby city of Portage is that the median housing cost is below the national average. Income and sales taxes in Michigan also are relatively low. At the same time, though, the average household income falls below the national average. | East Lansing- city in Michigan, USA located directly east of Lansing (the state capital); Famous tourist attractions: Spartan Stadium, Wharton Center, Jack Breslin Student Events Center, MSU Horticulture Garden, Abrams Planetarium; Unemployment rate- 2.7% (Dec 2019) |
| Weather |
Western Michigan University vs Michigan State University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The Michigan State University (MSU) is considerably higher ranked globally. In QS 2026, it is approximately 161 worldwide and 122 in THE 2026, with specific strengths in Agriculture, Business, Education, Communication, and Social Sciences. Western Michigan University (WMU) ranked 1201-1400 in QS 2026 and 1201-1500 in THE global ranking.
General Information
MSU, established in 1855 in East Lansing, Michigan, is a large public research university with ~51,000 students, providing a broad spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. WMU, established in 1903 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a public research university with ~18,000 students, recognized for its individualized learning environment and specialized programs such as Aviation and Paper Engineering.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
MSU is moderately competitive 84%, with more competition for Business, Engineering, and Life Sciences programs. WMU is more accepting 85% with wider access, although Aviation and Engineering programs are more competitive.
Research Impact & Facilities
MSU is a Carnegie R1 research university, with very strong activity in agriculture, social sciences, education, health, and international development, with state-of-the-art labs and international collaborations. WMU is research-active but at a lower level, with specialty strengths in engineering, aviation, and health sciences, and an emphasis on applied research and workforce development.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both, as public institutions, have selective tuition. MSU has ~$16,000 in-state and ~$43,000 out-of-state per year, while WMU has ~$14,000 in-state and ~$18,000 out-of-state, so WMU would be cheaper for out-of-state students. Both offer scholarships, need-based aid, and graduate assistantships.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
MSU graduates thrive in business, agriculture, international relations, education, and STEM, enjoying a large international alumni base and hiring by major employers. WMU alumni prosper especially in aviation, engineering, business, and healthcare, with strong local industry ties, particularly in Michigan and the Midwest.
