by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a WMU degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how WMU measures up.
WMU is ranked #1,652 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D+. Within Michigan, it ranks #50 of 77 for value.
These WMU majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Paper Science & Engineering | #1 of 1 |
| Engineering | #1 of 1 |
| Marketing | #2 of 2 |
| General Drafting & Design Technology/Technician | #2 of 7 |
| Drafting & Design Engineering Technology | #6 of 13 |
| Other Dance | #6 of 8 |
| Other Film/Video & Photographic Arts | #6 of 23 |
| Geochemistry | #7 of 9 |
| Music Therapy | #9 of 25 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #9 of 25 |
Below is the detailed WMU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Western Michigan University is ranked #17 out of #80 in Michigan for quality and #50 out of #77 for Michigan value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the WMU financial aid page to be sure.
Western Michigan University is ranked #1,652 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Western Michigan University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at WMU costs about $18,601. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $74,402 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $29,138 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $15,273 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $18,601 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,402 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the WMU net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a WMU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $116,552 | — | — |
| All Students | $74,402 | #1,652 | D+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $61,092 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $116,552 | — | — |
| All Students | $74,402 | #50 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $61,092 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at WMU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $9,557 |
| $30K–$48K | $10,010 |
| $48K–$75K | $18,710 |
| $75K–$110K | $23,468 |
| Over $110K | $25,313 |
About 76% of WMU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $9,864 per year. Get more details on the WMU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average WMU cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.