Admissions

Why WMU?

You’re an individual who is truly unique. We celebrate the passions that drive you and the possibilities that inspire you. Here, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where learning empowers you, well-being strengthens you and an experience-driven education leads to a meaningful career. Western is the place to become your best self.

9 of 10 Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like.
93% of graduates participated in experience-driven learning
97% of students had instructors who made them excited about learning

17,559

total enrollment
—Fall 2023 enrollment

13,874

undergraduates
—Fall 2023 enrollment

33%

of undergraduates identify as historically underrepresented or international
—Fall 2023 enrollment

26%

of undergraduate students are from outside of Michigan
—Fall 2023 enrollment

Office of Admissions
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5211 USA
(269) 387-2000

Broncos are career-ready

Experience-driven learning will give you a leg up when you’re ready to pursue your meaningful career. As a Bronco, you can capitalize on the wealth of internships and similar experience-driven learning opportunities available as soon as you arrive on campus. 

Design for good

Bobby Snell, B.F.A.‘21, landed a job designing dog toys for BARK in New York City. He developed the highly sought-after expertise while pursuing a product design degree at Western’s Richmond Institute of Design. The program’s deep immersion in the marketplace allowed Bobby to successfully launch two product patents before completing his degree.

Pursue justice

Jayla Williams, B.A.‘23, helped crack homicide cases, working alongside Michigan State Police detectives, through WMU’s Cold Case Program, a first-of-its-kind partnership that has garnered national media attention, including on the Today Show.

Dream job

Now the Player Engagement Coordinator for the New York Giants, Brandon Harlin, B.S.‘22, credits his instructors at Western who were personally invested in his success. Thanks to their support, he landed a senior internship with Bronco Athletics that led to his dream job.

Students hanging out in the new student center.

Campus life is the best life

Belonging is critically important to your academic success and a life well lived. At Western, you’ll enjoy a vast array of student organizations and club sports; Division I athletics, concerts, plays, fine arts and lectures; and a brand-new student center. They all come together to nurture social connection and lasting friendships.
See the new student center Explore student life

Nearly 400

student organizations

5,000+

campus events

16

Division I sports

29

club sports

Live in the heart of the Great Lakes

Rated a Top 100 Best Places to Live (Livability.com, 2022), Kalamazoo is nestled perfectly between Chicago and Detroit and less than an hour from the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. Explore the No. 3 Best Metro Area in America for new college grads (Smart Asset, 2023).

 

People on the beach in South Haven along Lake Michigan.
Hiking near Western's campus, beautiful Asylum Lake in the background.

Boundless outdoor adventure

You can kayak down the Kalamazoo River, bike to the Lake Michigan shoreline or hit the Kal-Haven Trail, one of the best biking and cross-country skiing trails in the area.

Western students, enjoying corn on the cob at the Farmers Market, downtown Kalamazoo

Always something to do

With your choice of eclectic events and attractions like the Air Zoo museum, Gilmore Piano Festival, the farmers’ market, Growlers baseball or First Fridays in downtown Kalamazoo, it’s easy to find off-campus entertainment.