Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, but a side-by-side comparison of two institutions can ease the decision-making process. This article compares Kent State University at Kent (Kent State) and Western Michigan University (WMU) in terms of costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, rankings, and outcomes. By the end of this comprehensive analysis, you’ll have a better understanding of each school’s unique offerings and how they align with your educational goals.
Kent State University Overview
Kent State University, located in Kent, Ohio, is a public research university founded in 1910. With a student population of approximately 27,000, Kent State offers a diverse range of academic programs through its eight campuses spread across Northeast Ohio. Students at Kent State can choose from over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including popular majors such as Business, Education, and Communication.
Kent State University Costs & Tuition
In-state tuition and fees for Kent State University are approximately $10,602 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $19,478 annually. Room and board costs are an additional $11,656 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid is available to students who qualify, with approximately 76% of full-time, first-year students receiving some form of aid.
Kent State University Admissions
The acceptance rate at Kent State University is approximately 88%, making it a moderately selective institution. The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students is 21-26, while the SAT score range is 1080-1260. High school GPA is also considered during the admissions process, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 required for consideration.
Kent State University Degrees Offered
Kent State University offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including popular majors such as Business, Education, and Communication. The university also has a strong focus on research and innovation, with numerous opportunities for undergraduate research and hands-on learning experiences.
Kent State University Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, Kent State University provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. The university boasts a four-year graduation rate of 33% and a six-year graduation rate of 60%. In addition, about 70% of classes have fewer than 30 students, fostering a more personalized learning experience.
Kent State University Diversity
Kent State University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, offering a range of resources and support services to help students from various backgrounds succeed. The university’s student population is made up of 75% white, 14% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian, and 6% of students identifying as two or more races.
Kent State University Students
Kent State University has an active and vibrant student life, with over 400 student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports available for students to participate in. The campus also offers a variety of dining options, recreational facilities, and numerous events, making it easy for students to stay connected and engaged during their time at the university.
Kent State University Campus
The Kent State University campus spans over 950 acres and features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, with state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The university also provides on-campus housing options, with various residence halls and living communities catering to different student needs and preferences.
Kent State University Alumni
Kent State University has a strong alumni network, with over 245,000 alumni worldwide. Many graduates have gone on to successful careers in various industries, while others have made significant contributions to their fields. Some notable alumni include fashion designer Michael Kors, actress Julianne Moore, and musician Joe Walsh.
Kent State University Rankings
Kent State University is ranked #284 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, and #384 in Best Value Schools. The university is also recognized for its commitment to research and innovation, ranking #173 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Kent State University Outcomes
Kent State University boasts a four-year graduation rate of 33% and a six-year graduation rate of 60%. The average starting salary for Kent State graduates is $37,900, with popular careers including positions in business, education, and communication.
Western Michigan University Overview
Western Michigan University, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a public research university established in 1903. With a student population of around 21,600, WMU offers more than 250 degree programs across various fields of study. The university is well-known for its programs in Aviation, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences.
Western Michigan University Costs & Tuition
In-state tuition and fees for Western Michigan University are approximately $13,017 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $16,041 annually. Room and board costs are an additional $10,838 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid is available, with approximately 80% of full-time, first-year students receiving some form of aid.
Western Michigan University Admissions
The acceptance rate at Western Michigan University is approximately 81%, making it a moderately selective institution. The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students is 20-27, while the SAT score range is 1040-1230. High school GPA is also considered during the admissions process, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 required for consideration.
Western Michigan University Degrees Offered
Western Michigan University offers more than 250 degree programs across various fields of study, including popular majors in Aviation, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences. The university is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education, emphasizing experiential learning and research opportunities.
Western Michigan University Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, Western Michigan University offers a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. The university has a four-year graduation rate of 21% and a six-year graduation rate of 53%. Additionally, about 61% of classes have fewer than 30 students, fostering a more personalized learning experience.
Western Michigan University Diversity
Western Michigan University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, offering a range of resources and support services to help students from various backgrounds succeed. The university’s student population is made up of 66% white, 14% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian, and 6% of students identifying as two or more races.
Western Michigan University Students
Western Michigan University has an active and vibrant student life, with over 300 student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports available for students to participate in. The campus also offers a variety of dining options, recreational facilities, and numerous events, making it easy for students to stay connected and engaged during their time at the university.
Western Michigan University Campus
The Western Michigan University campus spans over 1,200 acres and features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, with state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The university also provides on-campus housing options, with various residence halls and living communities catering to different student needs and preferences.
Western Michigan University Alumni
Western Michigan University has a strong alumni network, with over 190,000 alumni worldwide. Many graduates have gone on to successful careers in various industries, while others have made significant contributions to their fields. Some notable alumni include astronaut Gregory Jarvis, actor Terry Crews, and author Bonnie Jo Campbell.
Western Michigan University Rankings
Western Michigan University is ranked #249 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, and #326 in Best Value Schools. The university is also recognized for its commitment to research and innovation, ranking #161 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Western Michigan University Outcomes
Western Michigan University has a four-year graduation rate of 21% and a six-year graduation rate of 53%. The average starting salary for WMU graduates is $43,300, with popular careers including positions in aviation, business, engineering, and health sciences.
Kent State University at Kent vs Western Michigan University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Kent State University and Western Michigan University, several factors should be considered. For in-state students, tuition and fees are lower at Kent State ($10,602) compared to WMU ($13,017). However, out-of-state students will find tuition and fees more affordable at WMU ($16,041) than at Kent State ($19,478).
Room and board costs are relatively similar at both universities, with Kent State’s expenses amounting to $11,656 and WMU’s costing $10,838. Financial aid is available at both institutions, with a slightly higher percentage of students receiving aid at WMU (80%) than at Kent State (76%).
Kent State University at Kent vs Western Michigan University Admissions Difficulty
Both Kent State University and Western Michigan University have moderate acceptance rates, with Kent State at 88% and WMU at 81%. The middle 50% ACT and SAT score ranges for admitted students are similar for both schools, with Kent State’s ranges being 21-26 for the ACT and 1080-1260 for the SAT, and WMU’s ranges being 20-27 for the ACT and 1040-1230 for the SAT.
High school GPA is also considered during the admissions process at both universities, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 required for consideration. Given the comparable admissions criteria, the difficulty of gaining admission to either university is relatively similar.
Kent State University at Kent vs Western Michigan University Academic Difficulty
While both Kent State University and Western Michigan University offer a supportive and engaging learning environment for students, there are some differences in their academic experiences. Kent State has a slightly higher student-to-faculty ratio (20:1) compared to WMU (17:1), potentially leading to more personalized learning at WMU.
The four-year graduation rates differ significantly, with Kent State boasting a rate of 33% and WMU having a rate of just 21%. However, the six-year graduation rates are closer, with Kent State at 60% and WMU at 53%. Overall, the academic difficulty of attending either university is relatively comparable, with some variations in graduation rates and class sizes.
Kent State University at Kent vs Western Michigan University Outcome Comparison
When comparing the outcomes for graduates of Kent State University and Western Michigan University, both schools have differing strengths. The average starting salary for Kent State graduates is $37,900, while WMU graduates enjoy a higher average starting salary of $43,300.
However, the four-year graduation rate at Kent State (33%) is significantly higher than that of WMU (21%), and the six-year graduation rate is also higher at Kent State (60%) compared to WMU (53%). In terms of rankings, Kent State ranks higher in National Universities and Best Value Schools, while WMU ranks higher in Top Performers on Social Mobility. Ultimately, the outcomes for each university will depend on individual student goals, preferences, and chosen fields of study.
