WMU vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Michigan University is larger than Longwood University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 4,612 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Michigan University 16:1; Longwood University 15:1.

WMU vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU or Longwood University? 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 Longwood University ($17,331 vs. $20,847).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 30.1% lower than at Longwood University ($12,174 vs. $17,424).
• Longwood University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $492 more per year; $15,744.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47% higher at Longwood University than at Western Michigan University (about $8,944 more per year; $27,978.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Longwood University than at Western Michigan University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Longwood University students is 26.3% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($13,954 vs. $11,048).

WMU vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WMU or Longwood University? 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 Longwood University and WMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Longwood University (1120) is 10 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming WMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Longwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 990/1220; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Longwood University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WMU (3.5).
• Longwood University has a higher acceptance rate (90.2%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 17% at Longwood University.

WMU vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU and Longwood University? 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).

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Longwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Longwood University graduates have a $1,633 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Longwood University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($258 vs. $275).
• More Longwood University 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.