Cost and Scholarships

An education is the most important investment you can make. By opening yourself to the world of ideas and new experiences and by preparing to launch a career, you are establishing a foundation for a rich, dynamic life—not to mention, boosting your earning potential!Student graduating.

FINANCIAL AID

WMU recommends that every student apply for financial aid in order to be eligible for any student loans, grants or work-study awards. Learn the steps to apply for financial aid as soon as possible starting in December.

Financial aid for higher education can include student and parent loans, grants and work-study options. Nearly everyone qualifies for some form of financial aid. The only way to find out how much assistance your family is eligible to receive is to apply by filling out the free application.

The financial aid application process begins when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year. Select WMU using our school code, 002330.

  • APPLY FOR AN FSA ID

    If you haven't already, you need to apply online for an FSA ID. Your FSA ID serves as your electronic signature. Your FSA ID will be available at the time of application so you can use it immediately to electronically sign your FAFSA. You will use your FSA ID to sign other financial aid documents, check the status of your FAFSA, make corrections and check your loan history.

    GET YOUR FSA ID

    It is important for students to file the FAFSA as soon as possible starting in December, because some aid is awarded until funds are exhausted. 

  • FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST

    The WMU Financial Aid Application Checklist is a helpful tool that provides step-by-step information about navigating the world of financial aid.

    The experts at WMU Financial Aid are also available to assist students and families with questions about financial aid. Contact them directly at finaid-info@wmich.edu or (269) 387-6000.

SCHOLARSHIPS

WMU offers need-based and merit-based scholarship opportunities. Learn what scholarships are available for first-time, domestic transfer students through the Office of Admissions. Visit the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office website for additional WMU scholarship opportunities.
  • COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMPETITIVE TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS

    Students who wish to be considered for Community College Competitive Transfer scholarships should complete their admission application file by April 1†. Community College Competitive scholarships are awarded to domestic students transferring from a community college and entering in the fall semester. Scholarships are highly competitive and selective. 

    REVIEW DETAILS

  • TRANSFER LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY

    Transfer Living Learning Community Discount

    Value: Residents live in a single room provided at a discounted cost.
    Eligibility: 

    • Residents must:

      • Be a first-time WMU transfer student.

      • Have at least 21 transfer credit hours or be 20 years old with 14 or more transfer credits.

      Veterans who are beginning students may apply.

    The Transfer Community in Shilling Hall focuses on easing your transition to Western with activities to connect you with the campus community and other students just like you. This Living Learning Community makes college affordable for transfer students. 

  • OTHER SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

    Admitted Broncos are encouraged to review and apply for additional scholarships using WMU's scholarship-matching tool, ScholarshipUniverse, which students can log in to using their Bronco NetID and password. ScholarshipUniverse houses both institutional and external scholarships. Further instructions on how to log in to and navigate ScholarshipUniverse can be found here.

    SCHOLARSHIP UNIVERSE

    WMU Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship
    Sponsored by the WMU Alumni Association, the Legacy Scholarship is awarded to all entering students whose parent, stepparent or legal guardian is a WMU graduate.  
    Value: one-time, non-renewable award of $500
    Criteria: To be eligible for this scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:  Parent, stepparent, or legal guardian must be a graduate of Western Michigan University AND Enrolled as a full-time, degree-seeking student at WMU in fall for the first time as a freshman or as an undergraduate transfer student. 
    To Apply:  In the appropriate section of the undergraduate admission application, provide the requested information about your parent, step-parent, or legal guardian.  First-year students will complete this via the Common App; transfer students via the WMU institutional application.

    College Departmental Awards
    Explore departmental scholarships and awards specific to majors and programs of study. 
    Value/criteria: Awards and eligibility criteria vary by department. Supplemental material(s) may be required for consideration.
    Deadline: Scholarship applications due in ScholarshipUniverse by February 15. Applications will open on December 1.

    Endowed Scholarships
    Value/criteria: Award amounts and eligibility requirements vary
    Deadline: Scholarship application due in ScholarshipUniverse by February 15. Applications will open on December 1.

    Veterans and Dependents Scholarships
    Value/criteria: The Veterans and Dependents Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship available to military members currently serving, those who have previously served and dependents. There are no restrictions or requirements regarding major, minor or military branch.. The award amount is $500, and students may reapply annually for the award. Students must be admitted to WMU to receive award and will be required to show proof of military status on the scholarship application.
    Deadline: Applications are accepted between October and April.

    Seita Scholarship
    Value: Partial tuition scholarship
    Criteria: Students who have lived some or all of their teenage years in foster care. Additional criteria.
    Deadline: Scholarship application due by May 15.

    †Transfer students interested in Aviation Flight Science and direct admission to the Bronson School of Nursing must complete their admission application by the Early Action deadline of February 15. Learn more on the Competitive Admission Programs website. 

TUITION AND FEES

Higher education is an investment in your future. Learn about WMU’s cost of attendance and other expenses to consider as a college student.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TUITION AND FEES TUITION RATES BY CREDIT HOURS MILITARY AND DEPENDENTS TUITION

ROOM AND BOARD RATES

Living on campus is a great way to get to know the area, other students and have academic support programs right outside your door. More information, as well as room and board rates, is available through the Office of Residence Life.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ROOM AND BOARD RATES

RESIDENCY

Any Western Michigan University undergraduate student who has been admitted as a degree seeking student and began enrollment effective with the Summer 1 2017 semester or later, will have their residency status determined at the time of admission and it will remain the same throughout the student’s enrollment at Western Michigan University.

For questions, contact wmu-residency@wmich.edu or call (269) 387-2366.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RESIDENCY REGULATIONS

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Over 4,000 students are employed on campus at WMU and many students find employment in the Kalamazoo community. Handshake serves as WMU’s online student job search database. Prospective students are welcome to create a free account to explore the potential opportunities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STUDENT EMPLOYMENT