Affordability at WMU

We take immense pride in all the ways a Western education expands both your professional opportunities and personal growth. That’s why when you choose to become a Bronco, we will strive to ensure you have every financial resource available so your experience with us is an affordable one.

We are not only committed to giving our undergraduate students in the Michigan region financial benefits through a host of state and institutional scholarships, but our out-of-state undergraduate students also benefit from competitive tuition costs, never going beyond 25% above our in-state tuition.

The good news is that nearly everyone qualifies for some form of financial aid. Whether you are entering college for the first time after completing high school or transferring to WMU from another institution, you have a variety of funding options through scholarships, loans, grants and work-study aid.

Explore how you can finance your higher learning at WMU.

Scholarships by student type

First year student with his parents, and Buster at a Future Bronco Days event.

First-year students

Whether you’re an academic overachiever, a promoter of cultural awareness or simply have financial need, we have many scholarships that can support your budget and are specific to first-year students.
Student on campus, enjoying herself at an orientation event.

Transfer students

Transfer students have numerous scholarships to choose from that are specific to their needs and experience, including community college, alumni legacy, college departmental awards, and veterans and dependents scholarships.
Graduate students and professor at a white board, Applied Aerodynamics Lab and Bronco Construction Research Lab with Dr. Tianshu Liu

Graduate students

In addition to standard scholarships, graduate students also have research grants, fellowships, assistantships and dissertation awards available to help make their advanced degrees affordable.
International student, smiling.

International students

WMU offers scholarships and assistantships to international undergraduate and graduate students. Learn about the application process so you can take advantage of these opportunities.
To be a Bronco is to be part of a community—people who will definitely help and support each other.
—Aunner Calderón, B.S.'22 in biomedial sciences

Costs and fees

Estimated costs

WMU prides itself in offering a world-class education at an affordable cost. Our estimated cost of attendance budget is used solely for financial aid offers. It includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, personal expenses, travel and loan fees and is estimated based upon averages for each category. These numbers are not reflective of actual or projected costs. Actual tuition, fees and University housing costs are published each year after July 1 and are subject to approval by the WMU Board of Trustees.

Financial aid eligibility is based in part on cost of attendance (COA). Financial aid may not exceed the COA. For a more specific estimate of your costs, use the estimated cost of attendance calculator.

See cost of attendance calculator  

 

Tuition and fees

Learn about WMU’s tuition, fees and other expenses to consider as a college student. You can also use our online calculator to identify your estimated cost of attendance. Tuition and fees are typically due on the first day of the semester or session and are determined by your residency.

Discover tuition and fees  

 

More funding resources

Three students at a study group.

Loans

Loans are another option to finance your education. WMU offers federal and private loan programs. Loan amounts are based on cost of attendance, class level, enrollment status, dependency status and other resources.

Common sources are institutional, federal and the state of Michigan.

Discover your loan options  

Students in Sangren Hall, lecture hall.

Grants

Grants are a type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. They are an ideal way to pay for your education and may reduce your need for student loans. Common sources are institutional, federal and the state of Michigan.

Discover your grant options  

Three students sitting on campus, near the fountains.

Student employment

Student employment can help fund your college education and build professional skills along the way. Career and Student Employment Services offers Handshake to search for jobs, including on-campus work-study opportunities.

Explore student employment  

Explore affordability resources at WMU