United States University Rankings

Western Michigan University

country rank  158
world rank  349

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Established in 1903, the Western Michigan University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Kalamazoo (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Michigan. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Western Michigan University (WMU) is a large-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Western Michigan University (WMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 120-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. WMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

University Snapshot

Control

public
Control Type

Entity

non-profit
Entity Type

Size

large-sized
Total Enrollment

Selectivity

least selective
Acceptance rate

Search Engine

University Search Engine

search the Western Michigan University's website

University Identity

Name
Acronym WMU
Founded 1903
Motto Strike gold at Western Michigan University.
Colours Brown and gold

University Location

Address 1903 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo
49008-5200 Michigan
United States
Tel +1 (269) 387 1000
Fax +1 (269) 387 2096

Study Areas and Degree Levels

Introduction

The following uniRank Study Areas/Degree Levels Matrix is divided into 6 main study areas and 4 levels of degrees, from the lowest undergraduate degree to the highest postgraduate degree. This uniRank table aims to help quickly identify the Western Michigan University's academic range and degree level offering.


Study Areas and Degree Levels Matrix



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Programs and courses

Introduction

What are University programs and courses? University programs and courses are academic programs of study offered by universities, colleges and other higher education institutions. These programs and courses are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a particular field of study or career. In many countries, the terms "university courses" and "university programs" are used interchangeably whereas in the US university programs usually consist of a set of required courses that cover the fundamental concepts and principles of a field of study, as well as a selection of elective courses that allow students to specialize in a particular area of interest.


Programs and courses

Not available; please submit a list of official programs and courses.


Yearly Tuition

Introduction

Yearly tuition refers to the amount of money that a student is charged by a University for one academic year of full-time study. This uniRank Tuition Range Matrix is divided into 2 types of students (local and international students) and 2 degree levels (undergraduate and postgraduate degrees) and aims to help students to have an approximate idea of the yearly tuition range they might expect to pay at the Western Michigan University. However, the cost of yearly tuition can vary widely depending on the Western Michigan University's program of study, the specific type of degree, the student's residency status and other criteria. Moreover, tuition is just one component of the overall cost of attending university. Other expenses, such as room and board, textbooks and personal expenses can add significantly to the total cost of attendance and depends on the United States's cost of living.


Yearly Tuition Range Matrix


uniRank Tuition Range Matrix
Undergraduate Postgraduate
Local
students
12,500-14,999 US$
(11,390-13,670 Euro)
17,500-19,999 US$
(15,950-18,225 Euro)
International
students
15,000-17,499 US$
(13,670-15,950 Euro)
25,000-29,999 US$
(22,780-27,340 Euro)

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Admissions info

Introduction

Admission is the first step towards achieving students' academic and career goals and accessing the many opportunities and resources that a university has to offer. Admission policies may change by country, type of higher education institution and the specific programs or majors offered by the institution. Prospective students should carefully review the admission policies and requirements of each institution they are considering to determine their eligibility and, if the institution is selective and does not have an open admission policy, prepare a strong application.


Admission Info and stats

uniRank publishes below an overview of the most important information about the Western Michigan University's admission policy and statistics.


Admission Gender

This institution admits Men and Women (coed).


Admission Selection

Has the Western Michigan University a selective admission policy? Yes, based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.


Acceptance Rate Admission Rate

The Western Michigan University's acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this institution a least selective higher education institution.


Admission Requirements Admission Requirements

Secondary school GPA is required
Secondary school rank is neither required nor recommended
Secondary school record is required
Completion of college-preparatory program is recommended
Recommendations are neither required nor recommended
Formal demonstration of competencies is neither required nor recommended
Admission test scores are required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required
Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.) is neither required nor recommended
Source: IPDES


International Admissions

International students are welcome to apply for admission at this institution.


Admission Office Admission Office

1903 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo 49008-5211
(269) 387 2000
800 400 4968

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Size and Profile

Introduction

University size and profile can be important factors to consider when choosing a university or assessing its value. Here are some potential reasons why:

  • Resources: a larger university may have more resources available to its students, including research facilities, libraries, and extracurricular activities. However, a smaller university may offer a more personalized experience and smaller class sizes.
  • Diversity: the size and profile of a university can impact the diversity of its student body, faculty and curriculum. Larger universities may attract more international students and offer a wider range of academic programs, while smaller universities may have a more homogenous population.
  • Networking: a larger university may offer more opportunities for networking and building connections with other students and professionals in your field, but smaller universities may offer a tighter-knit community and more personalized networking opportunities.
  • Quality of Education: a university with a lower student-staff ratio typically means that students will receive more personalized attention from their instructors. This can lead to more individualized instruction, more opportunities for feedback and guidance and a better learning experience overall.
  • Location: campus setting can have an impact on students' access to resources, cost of living, transportation, social life and safety.
  • Religious affiliation: while it may not be the most important factor for everyone, understanding the religious affiliation of a university can help students determine if it aligns with their personal beliefs and provide a unique academic and spiritual experience.

Overall, the importance of university size and profile can vary depending on the student's individual goals, beliefs and priorities. It is important to consider these factors along with other important criteria, such as academic programs, location, cost and university culture.


Size and Profile

uniRank publishes below some major size and profile indicators for the Western Michigan University.

Student Enrollment

The Western Michigan University has a student enrollment range of 15,000-19,999 making it a large-sized institution.


Academic Staff

This institution has a range of 1,000-1,499 academic employees (Faculty).


Control Type Control Type

The Western Michigan University is a public higher education institution.


Entity Type

The Western Michigan University is a non-profit higher education institution.


Academic Calendar

This institution adopts a Semesters type of academic calendar.


Campus Setting Campus Setting

This institution's main campus is located in a Urban setting.


Religious Affiliation

The Western Michigan University does not have any religious affiliation.


Carnegie Classification

Introduction

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for categorizing colleges and universities in the United States. The classification was first created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 1970, and it has been updated periodically since then. The Carnegie Classification is based on a set of criteria, such as the level and types of degrees offered, research activity and enrollment size. Institutions are classified into one of several categories based on these criteria, ranging from "doctoral universities" with very high research activity to "special focus institutions" that primarily award degrees in a specific field, such as the arts or health professions. The Carnegie Classification provides a common language for describing colleges and universities based on key characteristics and it allows for comparisons between institutions within and across categories.


Carnegie Classification

uniRank provides below the official Western Michigan University's Carnegie classification.

Basic Classification Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity
Size & Setting Four-year, large, primarily residential institution
Enrollment Profile High undergraduate
Undergraduate Profile Four-year, full-time, selective, higher transfer-in institution
Undergraduate Instructional Program Professions plus arts & sciences, high graduate coexistence
Graduate Instructional Program Research Doctoral: Comprehensive programs, no medical/veterinary school

Facilities and Services

Introduction

What are University facilities and services and what facilities and services does the Western Michigan University offer? University facilities and services refer to the physical infrastructure and resources provided by a university to support its academic and research activities, as well as the well-being of its students, faculty and staff. Some examples of university facilities and services are classrooms and lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, housing, dining services, health services, sports and fitness facilities, financial aids, career or academic counseling services, technology and computing resources, distance learning and study abroad services.


Facilities and Services

uniRank provides below an overview of the facilities and services offered by the Western Michigan University.


Library

This institution has a physical Library for its students. Go to the Western Michigan University's Library
Western Michigan University's library has 2 branches. The library collection is comprised of both physical (i.e. books, medium, etc.) and digital/electronic items. In 2021 the library reported 1,513,540 physical volumes, 143,381 physical media, 193,763 digital/electronic media and 763 licensed digital/electronic databases. The library is managed by a total number of 71 full-time employees, including 26 librarians. Western Michigan University's library has a total library expenditure greater than $100,000 per year. Source: IPDES.


Housing

This institution provides on-campus residences or dormitories and/or off-campus accommodation to its students.
In particular, the Western Michigan University provides on-campus housing and the total dormitory capacity, whether on or off campus, was about 5,130 students in the 2021 academic year. Source: IPDES.


Sport Facilities

This institution has sporting facilities and organizes sports activities for its students.


Financial Aids

This institution offers one or more types of financial aid (i.e. scholarships, grants, loans, tuition waivers, emergency financial aid, etc.) for eligible students.


Study Abroad

This institution provides study abroad and exchange program opportunities for its students.


Distance Learning

This higher education institution offers a distance learning mode for some programs or courses. In particular, this institution offers some programs fully via distance education at the undergraduate level and at the graduate level. Source: IPDES.


Academic Counseling Academic Counseling

This institution provides students with guidance and support in their academic pursuits.


Career Services Career Services

This institution offers career counseling, career assessments, job and internship postings, career events, alumni networking or other career-related services to assist students transition successfully from academic life to professional life.



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Recognition and Accreditation

Introduction

There are different types of legal recognition and quality assessment of higher education institutions around the world, depending on the country and its legal and higher education system:

  • Institutional legal recognition: institutional legal recognition of a University refers to the formal recognition of the university's legal status by the government of a country. Legally recognized higher education institutions are chartered, registered and/or licensed by government bodies to be legal entities authorized to teach at the tertiary level.
  • Institutional accreditation: institutional accreditation is a type of additional quality assessment that evaluates the overall quality of an institution as a whole. Institutional accrediting bodies assess a University's overall mission, governance, leadership, faculty qualifications, student support services, financial stability and academic offering. Institutional accreditation is a concept that mainly exists in the US higher education system and a few other countries. So if you plan to study in the United States make sure that the University you choose is not only registered or licensed but officially accredited by a recognized accrediting body. In the US uniRank only includes accredited institutions.
  • Programmatic or specialized accreditation: programmatic or specialized accreditation, on the other hand, is a type of accreditation that evaluates and accredits specific academic programs within a University. Programmatic accreditation, granted by specialized national or international accrediting bodies, assesses the quality and rigor of a program's curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes and resources and is focused on ensuring that a specific program or course meets industry standards and requirements.

uniRank provides, for each University, the name of the organization that has officially granted institutional legal recognition or accreditation. For some Universities uniRank also provides a list of programmatic or specialized accreditations that, however, might be not complete or up-to-date.


Institutional Recognition or Accreditation

The Western Michigan University is legally recognized and/or accredited by: Higher Learning Commission


Specialized or Programmatic Accreditations

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA)
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
  • Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET
  • Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET
  • Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET
  • American Society of Engineering Management (ASEM)
  • American Chemical Society (ACS)
  • University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP)
  • Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)


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Memberships and Affiliations

Introduction

University memberships and affiliations to external organizations can be important for several reasons:

  • Collaboration and networking: they can provide opportunities for collaboration and networking with other universities, academic institutions and industry partners. This can lead to joint research projects, sharing of resources and expertise and collaborations on educational programs and initiatives.
  • Access to resources: they can provide access to a wide range of resources, including research facilities, academic journals and funding opportunities. This can be especially beneficial for smaller or less well-resourced universities, which may not have the same level of access to resources as larger and more established institutions.
  • Quality assurance: membership in professional or industry organizations can provide a level of quality assurance for Universities, ensuring that they meet certain standards and requirements in terms of academic programs, research and student support services. However, membership in an organization does not necessarily imply a formal accreditation or quality assurance process for the University's programs.
  • Recognition and reputation: membership in prestigious or exclusive organizations can enhance the reputation and recognition of a university, both locally and internationally. This can lead to increased visibility and opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.
  • Internationalization: memberships and affiliations can facilitate internationalization efforts, including student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives and collaborations with international partners. This can help to broaden the global perspective of a university and provide opportunities for students and faculty to gain international experience and exposure.

Overall, university memberships and affiliations can provide a range of benefits for Universities and its stakeholders (students, faculty and staff), including collaboration and networking opportunities, access to resources, quality assurance, recognition, reputation and internationalization.


Memberships and Affiliations

uniRank publishes the following list of the most important Western Michigan University's memberships and affiliations; however, the list might be not complete or up-to-date. Please contact or refer to the Western Michigan University's website for a comprehensive list.

  • American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
  • Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU)
  • American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP)
  • Association of International Educators (NAFSA)
  • Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA)
  • Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA)
  • Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
  • European Association for International Education (EAIE)
  • Forum on Education Abroad (FEA)
  • Institute of International Education (IIE)
  • University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP)
  • National Athletic Association (NAA)
  • National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structure

Introduction

Most higher education institutions' first-level academic divisions are, depending on the country, one of the following:

  • Colleges
  • Faculties
  • Schools
  • Institutes
  • Academies
  • Departments
  • Divisions
  • Centers

Academic divisions can provide valuable insights into the range of disciplines and study areas a University focuses on and the institution's level of specialization. Generalist Universities typically offer a wide range of academic programs and have many academic divisions and subdivisions across different disciplines, while Specialized Universities tend to focus on a narrower range of programs within a specific field or industry and have fewer academic divisions and a simplified organizational structure.


Academic Structure

uniRank provides below a structural diagram of the first-level academic divisions of the Western Michigan University's organizational structure.



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Social Media

Introduction

Social media can be a powerful tool for Universities to communicate with current students, alumni, faculty, staff and the wider community. But how can social media be important for prospective students? Here are some ways in which the official Western Michigan University's social media channels can help potential students to understand and assess this or any university:

  • Researching universities: social media can be a useful tool for researching universities that prospective students may be interested in attending. By following the Western Michigan University on social media, potential students can learn more about the university's culture, values, academic programs and campus life. They can also engage with current students and alumni to get a sense of their experiences and valuable perspectives from the inside.
  • Engagement with the University: social media allows the Western Michigan University to engage with prospective students by answering questions, sharing news and events and showcasing the university's offerings. Potential students can appraise how up-to-date and relevant is the content published through social media and how prompt and efficient the Western Michigan University is in answering their queries.

Overall, social media can provide valuable insights to prospective students and other stakeholders into the Western Michigan University's profile and level of engagement.


Social Media

uniRank publishes brief reviews, rankings and metrics of some Western Michigan University's social media channels as a starting point for comparison and an additional selection tool for potential applicants.

Facebook Facebook

Western Michigan University's Facebook page review Western Michigan University's official Facebook page

Twitter Twitter

Western Michigan University's Twitter page review Western Michigan University's official Twitter page

YouTube YouTube

Western Michigan University's YouTube channel review Western Michigan University's official YouTube channel

Instagram Instagram

Western Michigan University's official Instagram page

LinkedIn LinkedIn

Western Michigan University's main LinkedIn profile

TikTok TikTok

n.a.

Online Courses

Open Education Global Open Education Global

This higher education institution is not a member of the Open Education Global (OEGlobal) organization that is developing, implementing and supporting free open education.

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Wikipedia

Video Presentation


Related Resources

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Site last updated: Friday, 19 May 2023

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