Western Michigan University (WMU) vs. Illinois State University Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to WMU or Illinois State University?“
Western Michigan University (WMU)
Illinois State University
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Western Michigan University (WMU) and Illinois State University. 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 Western Michigan University (WMU) and Illinois State University
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Western Michigan University (WMU) and Illinois State University. The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Western Michigan University (WMU) | Illinois State University | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $11,029 | $13,666 |
| Net Price | $16,870 | $20,437 |
| Average Financial Aid | $7,402 | $5,300 |
| Total Undergraduates | 18179 | 18343 |
| Average SAT Scores | 880 - 1160 | 0 - 0 |
| Acceptance Rate | 82 | 88 |
| Location | 1903 W Michigan Ave | North and School Streets |
| City Name | Kalamazoo | Normal |
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 Kalamazoo and Normal. WMU is in a East North Central and Illinois State University is in a East North Central - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Western Michigan University (WMU) or Illinois State University 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 WMU Dorms Compare to housing Options at Illinois State University?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. WMU charges for on-campus living, while Illinois State University charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
WMU and Illinois State University student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Western Michigan University (WMU), % | Illinois State University,% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 72.36 | 76.9 |
| Hispanic | 5.390000000000001 | 9.44 |
| Black | 12.379999999999999 | 7.75 |
| Foreign | 3.53 | 0.41000000000000003 |
| Others | 6.3 | 5.5 |
How different is the Western Michigan University (WMU) campus compared to Illinois State University campus?
The WMU campus is located in Kalamazoo, MI and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000). 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).
Which school gives more financial aid?
WMU provides $7,402 whereas Illinois State University provides an average of $5,300.
How does WMU academics compare to Illinois State University?
When analyzing academics between Western Michigan University (WMU) and Illinois State University 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 | WMU | Illinois State University |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | 184 |
| Natural resources and conservation | 11 | N/A |
| Architecture and related services | 3 | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 6 | N/A |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 186 | 251 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 83 | 119 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | 12 |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 269 | N/A |
| Education | 204 | 690 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | 53 | 66 |
Which is better: Western Michigan University (WMU) or Illinois State University?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between WMU and Illinois State University. 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 WMU social life compare to Illinois State University?
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 WMU social life differs from Illinois State University.
Check here.
Check here.