Maintaining a balance of quality and access, WMU sets tuition, room and meal rates for 2025-26

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees set tuition, required fees, and room and meal rates for the 2025-26 academic year during its meeting Thursday, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to balancing affordability and educational excellence for students. 

"Tuition and required fees for the upcoming academic year continue to support two essential priorities for Western: maintaining a high-quality learning environment and preserving financial accessibility for our Broncos," says Shelly Edgerton, chair of the board.

Trustees approved a 4.6% increase in tuition and required fees for resident undergraduate students. With this adjustment, WMU’s resident undergraduate tuition ranks eighth among Michigan’s 15 public universities, placing it in the bottom half statewide.  

This fall, a newly admitted, full-time Michigan resident freshman will pay $15,954 in tuition and required fees to attend WMU—an increase of $702 for the academic year. Find WMU’s full 2025-26 tuition and required fees online.

"We’re proud of our role in expanding equitable access to higher education. Even with this pricing adjustment, we remain one of the most affordable public institutions in the state," Edgerton says. 

In keeping with its mission as an access-focused institution, WMU continues to invest significantly in need-based financial aid. This year’s budget includes an additional $3 million for student aid, ensuring that support keeps pace with changes in tuition. 

WMU students benefit from outstanding faculty, advanced learning technologies and comprehensive academic and support services—all contributing to a rich, student-centered academic experience.  

These investments prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to their workplaces and communities. Outcomes remain strong, with nine of 10 graduates employed quickly, working in their field and in jobs they like, according to WMU’s most recent Career Outcomes Report.

In a separate action, the board approved an increase in differential tuition for the first time since 2022. To account for higher costs based on the nature of an academic program, market-driven tuition differences and unique educational needs, differential tuition is assessed for  undergraduate programs in three WMU colleges: the Haworth College of Business (upper-level undergraduates only), the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the College of Fine Arts. This adjustment, combined with the general tuition increase of 4.6%, will result in an overall tuition increase of 5% for programs subject to differential tuition.  

The board also approved a $425.2 million general fund budget. Tuition revenue accounts for approximately 68% of the general fund, which supports the University’s core academic and student service functions.

Providing an exceptional experience where students thrive and find belonging is the top priority for Western’s Housing and Dining operations. As with tuition, the University’s room and meal rates remain in the lower half of pricing among other public universities across Michigan. Likewise, WMU housing costs are on par with local market rates for off-campus student-oriented housing. 

Trustees approved a 4% increase to residence hall and meal rates and a 3.5% increase for apartment rates at Stadium Drive Apartments, Spindler Hall, Arcadia Flats and Western View. The new rates, which go into effect this fall, will provide continued support for living environments that are safe and attractive while assisting WMU in recruitment, retention and student success efforts. 

Beginning fall 2025, the annual cost for hall and meal rates in a traditional residence hall with a 14-meal plan option will be $12,148. The rate changes will support ongoing maintenance, updates and development of WMU’s residential neighborhoods that provide an essential foundation for student engagement and support.  

Complete rates for all residence halls with varying meal plan levels can be found on the Housing Rates webpage.