Valpo vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, 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 Valpo based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 2,579 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valparaiso University 10:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Valpo vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo 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 Western Michigan University than Valpo ($17,331 vs. $21,766).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 10.6% lower than at Valparaiso University ($12,174 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 217.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $33,198 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 154.5% higher at Valpo than at Western Michigan University (about $29,416 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 239.9% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($37,548 vs. $11,048).

Valpo vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Valpo 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 Valpo.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is 60 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 23/31; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at WMU (3.5).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Valpo vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo 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).

• Valparaiso University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Michigan University graduates have a $367 lower median loan debt than Valpo graduates ($26,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WMU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.