TU vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Towson University in Towson, MD with Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Towson University is larger than WMU based on total student enrollment (19,401 students vs. 16,744 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Towson University is located in Towson, MD (Small City setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Towson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Towson University 14:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

TU vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TU 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 Towson University than WMU ($16,653 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 25.1% lower than at Towson University ($12,174 vs. $16,260).
• Western Michigan University is 30% more expensive for in-state tuition than TU (about $3,524 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $11,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.7% higher at TU than at Western Michigan University (about $10,786 more per year; $29,820.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at Towson University (94% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Towson University students is 7% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($11,820 vs. $11,048).

TU vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TU 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 TU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 20 points higher than at TU (1090).
• Incoming TU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at WMU (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 950/1235; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 19/27; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TU - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: TU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than TU (82%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at TU vs. 13.5% at WMU.

TU vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TU 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).

• Towson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Towson University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Towson University graduates have a $8,883 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($17,750 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, TU graduates have an estimated $92 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($183 vs. $275).
• More TU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.