Western Michigan University: Student Population And Campus Life

how many students attend western michigan university

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research university in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. It was initially established as Western State Normal School in 1903 and became Western Michigan University in 1957. The university has a large student body, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 13,874 as of Fall 2023. The gender distribution is 48.9% male students and 51.1% female students, with 70% living off campus. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 140 undergraduate programs and many master's and doctoral degrees.

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Western Michigan University's undergraduate enrollment

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was founded in 1903 as a teacher's college and has since expanded to offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

In terms of undergraduate enrollment, WMU has seen a recent decline in student numbers. As of Fall 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 13,874 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 49% male and 51% female. This represents a decrease from previous years, with enrollment peaking at around 30,000 students in 2002.

The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs across multiple colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Aviation, the Haworth College of Business, and the College of Education and Human Development. The most popular undergraduate majors include Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Registered Nursing, Health and Medical Administrative Services, and Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew.

WMU provides a range of resources and support services for its undergraduate students, including academic advising, career services, and student organizations. The university is committed to helping students succeed and offers a variety of experience-driven learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects.

While WMU has seen a decline in overall enrollment, the university remains a prominent institution in Michigan, offering a diverse range of academic programs and a rich student life.

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The university's graduate enrollment

Western Michigan University (WMU) has a total graduate enrollment of 3,685 students as of Fall 2023. This number includes master's, certificate, and specialist students, as well as doctoral candidates.

The university's graduate programs include the College of Education and Human Development, which has a strong commitment to training teachers and school administrators. The college offers a range of programs, including bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. In 2020, 96% of WMU CEHD graduates were employed in their field or continuing their education within three months of graduation. The college also has a high internship placement rate for its dietetics program, which was approximately 71% in 2010, significantly higher than the national average of 49.5%.

WMU also offers graduate programs in the Haworth College of Business, the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the College of Health and Human Services. The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, for example, offers 9 master's and 6 doctoral programs. The university as a whole is classified as an "R2: Doctoral University" with high research activity and offers 73 master's and 30 doctoral programs across its seven degree-granting colleges.

In addition to its main campuses, WMU has several regional sites throughout Michigan that offer education to over 6,000 students each year.

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The gender distribution of its students

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was founded in 1903 and currently offers over 140 undergraduate programs and many master's degrees. The university's total enrollment for Fall 2023 was 17,559, with an undergraduate enrollment of 13,874.

Gender Distribution

The gender distribution of WMU students is relatively balanced, with a slight female majority. As of Fall 2023, 48.9% of students were male, while 51.1% were female. This equates to 6,784 male students and 7,090 female students.

In terms of race and ethnicity, the student body is predominantly White (63.6%), with smaller proportions of students identifying as Black or African American (7.4%), Hispanic/Latinx (8.0%), Asian (3.0%), Multiracial (3.6%), International (11.9%), and other races or ethnicities.

WMU's gender distribution reflects a broader trend in higher education, where female students often outnumber their male counterparts. This trend is particularly noticeable in graduate programs, where women typically comprise the majority of students.

The university's gender distribution also varies across different colleges and departments. For example, the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which offers engineering and technology programs, may have a higher proportion of male students, while the College of Education and Human Development, with its focus on teaching and social sciences, might attract more female students.

WMU's gender distribution is also influenced by broader societal factors, including cultural norms, educational policies, and economic conditions that impact the pursuit of higher education for men and women differently.

Overall, WMU's relatively balanced gender distribution contributes to a diverse and inclusive campus community, fostering a rich learning environment for all students.

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The racial diversity of its students

Western Michigan University (WMU) has a total enrollment of approximately 19,887 students, including 13,296 undergraduates and 919 graduate students. The student body has been described as having below-average racial-ethnic diversity, with the majority of students being white.

According to one source, 28% of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). Another source reports that 24% of students are racial-ethnic minorities. The exact racial/ethnic breakdown of the student population is unclear, but the university does report having students who identify as Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, Multiracial, and Unknown.

International students comprise about 11.9% of the student body, representing 94 countries, with the majority coming from Saudi Arabia, India, and China.

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The number of students living on campus

Western Michigan University (WMU) has a large student body, with a total enrollment of 17,559 students as of Fall 2023. Of these, 13,874 are undergraduate students, and 3,685 are graduate students.

In terms of on-campus living, WMU offers a variety of housing options, from traditional residence halls to fully equipped apartments. About one-third of WMU students choose to live on campus, with 31% of students living in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, and 70% living off-campus.

The benefits of living on campus at WMU are numerous. Students have easy access to dining, classes, campus events, and resources. They can choose from a range of housing options, including single rooms, co-ed or single-gender pods, suites with shared bathrooms, and apartments with one to four bedrooms. On-campus residents also have higher average GPAs and retention rates when compared to off-campus students.

One of the unique features of WMU's on-campus housing is the Living Learning Communities (LLCs), which allow students to live with others who share similar majors or interests. In Fall 2023, one in three residence hall students was part of an LLC, and this number is growing annually. LLCs provide an excellent opportunity for students to tailor their college experience and build a strong foundation for their academic and personal success.

In addition to the academic and social benefits, on-campus living at WMU also offers a safe and supportive environment. The Housing and Residence Life staff is dedicated to easing the transition to college and providing support for any challenges that students may face. With a variety of housing options, an engaging community, and convenient access to campus resources, it's no surprise that many WMU students choose to live on campus.

Frequently asked questions

Western Michigan University's total enrollment for Fall 2023 was 17,559.

Western Michigan University's undergraduate enrollment for Fall 2023 was 13,874.

Western Michigan University's graduate enrollment for Fall 2023 was 3,685.

Western Michigan University's student population has been declining over the years. In Fall 2022, the university had 17,835 students, which was its lowest enrollment since the 1960s. This was a 6% decrease from the previous year, a 27% decrease from a decade ago, and a 41% decrease from 20 years ago.

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