LSUA vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Louisiana State University Alexandria in Alexandria, LA with Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than LSUA based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 6,815 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University Alexandria is located in Alexandria, LA (Rural Fringe setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Louisiana State University Alexandria is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University Alexandria 33:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

LSUA vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSUA or WMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Louisiana State University Alexandria than WMU ($8,296 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Louisiana State University Alexandria are 21.2% lower than at Western Michigan University ($9,598 vs. $12,174).
• Western Michigan University is 116.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSUA (about $8,202 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $7,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.9% higher at WMU than at Louisiana State University Alexandria (about $4,384 more per year; $19,034.00 vs. $14,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at Louisiana State University Alexandria (94% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Michigan University students is 46.1% larger than aid received by Louisiana State University Alexandria students ($11,048 vs. $7,561).

LSUA vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSUA or WMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WMU and LSUA.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 10 points higher than at LSUA (1100).
• Incoming WMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at LSUA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University Alexandria 970/1220; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University Alexandria 17/22; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSUA - Required; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at LSUA (3.16).
• LSUA has a higher acceptance rate (92.1%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 66.6% at LSUA vs. 13.5% at WMU.

LSUA vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSUA and WMU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Louisiana State University Alexandria's (12%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than LSUA graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University Alexandria graduates have a $8,926 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($17,707 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, LSUA graduates have an estimated $92 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($183 vs. $275).
• More WMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSUA students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 46%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.