Maxwell Hahn of the Detroit Lions posing with his Emmy Awards.

Why Parents Choose WMU

You want the best for your student, and Western Michigan University takes their future as seriously as you do. Here's why other Bronco parents believe WMU is the right fit for their student.

What Western Michigan parents value

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Building a meaningful career

Your student will graduate change-ready with real employer connections and resume-worthy experiences. Through paid internships, advanced research and global experiences, our graduates have an edge. That’s why 9 of 10 Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like.* 

An advisor and student at WMU.

Living a thriving life

Through the Navigator Network and our focus on the eight dimensions of well-being, your student has a support system built to help them find their fit and finish what they start. They’ll build confidence in the classroom, the lab, at internships and in a community that has their back. 

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College town with unforgettable experiences

Set in vibrant Kalamazoo, a classic college town with an incredible backdrop of arts, culture and dining, WMU is where Broncos build their future. Division I spirit and close to the lake, it's a setting where your student will actually want to live.

Students gathering at the student center.

Broncos belong here

We're an inclusive, access-oriented university with a warm campus vibe where your student will build a community, find instructors who care about their personal growth and become who they're meant to be.

View WMU's Common App

Pride points

9 of 10

Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like*

$60,000–$70,000

median salary for recent graduates working full time*

Best College for Future Leaders

Top 4 in Michigan and top 125 in U.S.

——TIME and Statista (2025)

Questions parents ask

We know the college search process can be a lot! Here are some common questions our Office of Admissions receives from parents supporting their student in their search for the right fit.

Your student can apply to WMU using the Common App by following our step-by-step process! Submitting test scores, an essay or recommendation letters are optional.

We know 98% of full-time undergraduate Western students with financial need received aid (Common Data Set, 2025-26). All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so we can determine what grants and scholarships your student qualifies for. Applying by the early action deadline automatically puts your student in the running for merit scholarships they qualify for with no separate scholarship application required.

The WMU Department of Public Safety holds a rare accreditation for top police agencies in Michigan! Officers are always on patrol, and we have more than 100 emergency call boxes across campus for students to call 911 with the push of a button. Parents can also sign up for emergency alerts and advisories to stay aware of what's happening.

Nearly half of college graduates change their major at least once on the way to earning their degree.* Their academic advisor will ensure the process is manageable and seamless! Students can select from our more than 150+ programs for the right fit.

 

*American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2025

Your student is encouraged to meet with their academic advisor before registering for their first semester of classes to talk through their advanced placement (AP) credits. A minimum score of 3 is required for most exams, but there are some that have higher thresholds of 4 or 5.

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*2024-25 Career Outcomes Report, wmich.edu/about/facts

9 of 10 Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like: WMU collected data for 3,124 graduates, of which 2,240 were employed full time, 67 were employed part time, 603 employed their degree to gain admittance to graduate school or were otherwise continuing their education, 18 were engaged in military service and 4 were volunteering full time. In addition, 872 of those working full time were satisfied with their job, based on 922 responses, and 1,645 of those working full time had a job related to their degree, based on 1,742 responses. Please review the Career Outcomes Report for detailed information about the methodology.