Is Western Michigan University worth it?

Kalamazoo, MI · public

Verdict

Typical students pay $15,273 a year after aid, graduate with $26,188 in federal debt, and earn $45,356 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $280, with a debt break-even of about 5.8 years.

Net price / year

$15,273

Admission rate

85%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$26,188

Earnings (6 yr)

$45,356

Earnings (10 yr)

$53,562

Est. monthly loan payment

$280

Loan-to-income ratio

58%

Debt break-even

5.8 years

How Western Michigan University compares

MetricWestern Michigan UniversityMichiganNational
Net price$15,273$15,182$16,642
Median debt$26,188$12,512$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$45,356$30,226$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend Western Michigan University?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,273 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do Western Michigan University graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at Western Michigan University leave with a median federal debt of $26,188, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do Western Michigan University graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $45,356, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

What is the graduation rate at Western Michigan University?

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is Western Michigan University worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 5.8 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.