Western Michigan University is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Western Michigan University (WMU) is 84.55%. This means that 85 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is Western Michigan University Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as WMU is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
Western Michigan University Admission Requirements
WMU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at WMU is 3.5. WMU is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.2 and 3.5, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.1 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into WMU Without SAT Or ACT?: Western Michigan University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Western Michigan University (WMU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Western Michigan University Average SAT Score: 1105
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Western Michigan University is 1105 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Western Michigan University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1105 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1220 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Western Michigan University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 990, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to WMU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Western Michigan University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 550 | 490 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 555 | 500 | 610 |
| SAT Composite | 1105 | 990 | 1220 |
It means that if you have scored less than 990 then you are below most of the admitted students at WMU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1220 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Western Michigan University (WMU) with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Western Michigan University (WMU) are good but the admission staff at WMU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Western Michigan University (WMU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at WMU is 23.
Western Michigan University ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Western Michigan University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 23 on the ACT.
Western Michigan University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 17 | 27 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 19 | 27 |
Can I get into Western Michigan University with a 27 ACT?
With a 27 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Western Michigan University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Western Michigan University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 23.WMU Profile
Name: Western Michigan University (WMU)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from WMU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Western Michigan University is USD: 27150. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Western Michigan University is USD: 19884
How can I get a scholarship?
25.97% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 48.76 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to WMU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Western Michigan University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist WMU as your choice in the form.
How much a WMU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the WMU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 53562. An average WMU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Western Michigan University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Western Michigan University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
| University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1087 | 22 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
| Adams State University | Adams State University, CO | 1066 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Western Michigan University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Western Michigan University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California Institute of Architecture | Southern California Institute of Architecture, CA | 1100 | NA |
| University of Northern Colorado | University of Northern Colorado, CO | 1106 | 24 |
| Florida Atlantic University | Florida Atlantic University, FL | 1112 | 23 |
| Florida College | Florida College, FL | 1114 | 23 |
| University of North Florida | University of North Florida, FL | 1104 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Western Michigan University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1182 | 24 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1180 | 25 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1180 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Air Transportation
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Michigan University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $53562 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Western Michigan University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $27150 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Western Michigan University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Western Michigan University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Western Michigan University is 84.55 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Western Michigan University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Western Michigan University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.2, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Western Michigan University with a 3.2 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.2 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Western Michigan University if my GPA is below 3.1
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.5, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Western Michigan University?
Answer: Admission to Western Michigan University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1105 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 990-1220
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Western Michigan University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Western Michigan University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Western Michigan University?
Answer: The campus culture at Western Michigan University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Western Michigan University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Western Michigan University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.