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Find Out the Total Western Michigan University Costs

How much does it cost to go to WMU?

On this page you'll get a better understanding of what college costs you'll actually have to pay out of pocket, which can vary widely based on where you live and your income level.

Why is Net Price Important?

Few students will pay the full advertised sticker price of WMU. The Net Price is an estimate of how much the average student actually pays to attend college for one year.

To calculate this number we take the total cost of attendance of Western Michigan University including tuition, fees, room, board and other expenses. Then we subtract out the average amount of aid awarded per student.

What is the Average Net Price for All WMU Undergrads?

The average student will pay a total net price of $22,613.

Two important factors that affect the net price you will pay to attend Western Michigan University are where you will be living, either on-campus or off, and whether or not you will be receiving any grants or scholarships.

$22,613 is the average net price across all students. Your price may differ depending on your family income level.

The average net price of $22,613 is based on estimates from 2020. This number represents the overall average net price of all in-state undergraduate students, including those that did not receive any financial aid.

Average Net Price for First Year Students

74% of freshman students paid in-state tuition. Of these in-state students, 59% received an average of $8,448 in grants and scholarships. This resulted in an average annual net price of $18,623 for on-campus students.

The following table explores the likelihood that you too will receive some common price-reducing aid, based on percentages.

Net Price by Aid GroupOn CampusOff CampusAt Home
2,990 Total Freshmen
1,294 (43%) did not receive any grants or scholarships.$30,095$30,095$19,528
1,696 (57%) split a total of $14,967,200 for an average of $8,825 each$21,270$21,270$10,703
2,199 In-State Students
897 (41%) did not receive any grants or scholarships.$27,071$27,071$16,504
1,302 (59%) split a total of $10,999,296 for an average of $8,448 each$18,623$18,623$8,056

The above refers to grants and scholarships from the college and/or the state, federal or local governments. Other sources of grant aid such as private scholarships are not included.

College Cost Estimator

Use the College Cost Estimator to get an idea of how much money you may have to spend out of pocket to attend WMU, and how many loans you may have to take on.

Select the factors that are true for you.

I Currently Live:
I Plan to Live:
Grants and Scholarships:
Loans:
Estimated Cost for You

This is what the college will likely charge you in this scenario.

$30,095
Aid (Grants and Scholarships)

Money given to you to offset the cost of college.

$8,825
Estimated Net Price

This is what you can expect to pay (or pay back).

$21,270
Loans

Money you borrow to cover the cost of college. You will have to repay this eventually.

$8,738
Out of Pocket

Money you need to come up with each year to attend college.

$12,532

How much will you be relying on loans to finance your education?

Research the average amount of loan debt students take on from this school.

Net College Cost Based on Income Level

Family income can have a large impact on the amount of aid you receive, and thus, your net price.

The table below shows the average net price freshmen paid based on income level. Note that if the school offers in-state tuition, the lower in-state tuition has been used in the calculation.

Net Price by Family Income LevelIn-State Net Price
0-30k$13,021
30k-48k$15,276
48k-75k$19,841
75k-110k$23,352
110k +$24,219

The above table only includes the calculated net price for students that received some form of Title IV aid.

What is Title IV?

Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 establishes general rules that apply to the student financial assistance programs covering grants and loans.

Net Price for Freshmen Receiving Aid

Over a period of six years, the average net price paid by all freshmen at Western Michigan University has remained about the same, shifting by an average of only 0.0% per year.

Net Price Trends at Western Michigan University

Net Price at WMU Compared to Average

An overall average net price of $18,246 puts Western Michigan University on par with the national average of $20,398.

Financial Aid Packages Vary From Year to Year

Many schools offer more aid to first year students (freshmen) than they do to other undergraduates. Is that the case with this school?

Net Price Comparisons at Western Michigan University

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