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.
99%
of full-time undergraduate students with financial need received aid
50+
$50K-$60K
Scholarships by student type
First-year students
Transfer students
Graduate students
International students
To be a Bronco is to be part of a community—people who will definitely help and support each other.
Other scholarship options
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.
More funding resources
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.
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.
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.