Illinois State University vs. Western Michigan University (WMU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to Illinois State University or WMU?“
Illinois State University
Western Michigan University (WMU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Illinois State University and Western Michigan University (WMU). 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 Illinois State University and Western Michigan University (WMU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Illinois State University and Western Michigan University (WMU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Illinois State University | Western Michigan University (WMU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $13,666 | $11,029 |
| Net Price | $20,437 | $16,870 |
| Average Financial Aid | $5,300 | $7,402 |
| Total Undergraduates | 18343 | 18179 |
| Average SAT Scores | 0 - 0 | 880 - 1160 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88 | 82 |
| Location | North and School Streets | 1903 W Michigan Ave |
| City Name | Normal | Kalamazoo |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Western Michigan University (WMU) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Normal and Kalamazoo. Illinois State University is in a East North Central and WMU is in a East North Central - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Illinois State University or Western Michigan University (WMU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Western Michigan University (WMU) 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 Western Michigan University (WMU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Illinois State University 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 Illinois State University Dorms Compare to housing Options at WMU?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. Illinois State University charges for on-campus living, while WMU charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
Illinois State University and WMU student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Illinois State University, % | WMU,% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 76.9 | 72.36 |
| Hispanic | 9.44 | 5.390000000000001 |
| Black | 7.75 | 12.379999999999999 |
| Foreign | 0.41000000000000003 | 3.53 |
| Others | 5.5 | 6.3 |
How different is the Illinois State University campus compared to Western Michigan University (WMU) campus?
The Illinois State University campus is located in Normal, IL and is characterized as Suburb: Midsize (outside principal city, in urbanized area with population of at least 100,000 but less than 250,000). The WMU campus is located in Kalamazoo, MI and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000).
Which school gives more financial aid?
Illinois State University provides $5,300 whereas WMU provides an average of $7,402.
How does Illinois State University academics compare to WMU?
When analyzing academics between Illinois State University and Western Michigan University (WMU) 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 | Illinois State University | WMU |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | 184 | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | N/A | 11 |
| Architecture and related services | N/A | 3 |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | N/A | 6 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 251 | 186 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 119 | 83 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | 12 | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | N/A | 269 |
| Education | 690 | 204 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | 66 | 53 |
Which is better: Illinois State University or Western Michigan University (WMU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between Illinois State University and WMU. 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 Illinois State University social life compare to WMU?
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 Illinois State University social life differs from WMU.
Check here.
Check here.