Oakland City University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Oakland City University in Oakland City, IN 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 Oakland City University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oakland City University is located in Oakland City, IN (Distant Town setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Oakland City University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oakland City University 13:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Oakland City University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oakland City University 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 Oakland City University than WMU ($16,437 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakland City University are 4.7% lower than at Western Michigan University ($11,600 vs. $12,174).
• Oakland City University is 82.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $12,648 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.6% higher at Oakland City University than at Western Michigan University (about $8,866 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oakland City University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oakland City University students is 135.9% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($26,067 vs. $11,048).

Oakland City University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oakland City University 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 Oakland City University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 110 points higher than at Oakland City University (1000).
• Incoming WMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Oakland City University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oakland City University 850/1150; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oakland City University 17/23; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oakland City University - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); WMU - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: Oakland City University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Oakland City University (3.29).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Oakland City University (82.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at Oakland City University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Oakland City University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oakland City University 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).

• Oakland City University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than Oakland City University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $36,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have a $6,433 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($20,200 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($208 vs. $275).
• More Oakland City University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 54%)

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.