WMU vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than NDSU based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 11,952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Michigan University is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Michigan University 16:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

WMU vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU or NDSU? 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus than WMU ($15,596 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 18.4% lower than at Western Michigan University ($9,928 vs. $12,174).
• Western Michigan University is 37.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NDSU (about $4,142 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $11,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.7% higher at WMU than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (about $3,270 more per year; $19,034.00 vs. $15,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (94% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Michigan University students is 72.4% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($11,048 vs. $6,409).

WMU vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 20 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming WMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at NDSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 990/1220; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at WMU (3.5).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 32% at NDSU.

WMU vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU and NDSU? 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus's (54%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates have a $3,333 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($23,300 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($240 vs. $275).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.