Kalamazoo Times

Western Michigan University (WMU) has announced adjustments to tuition, fees, and housing costs for the 2025-26 academic year. The changes were approved by the Board of Trustees during a recent meeting.

Shelly Edgerton, chair of the board, stated that "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." A 4.6% increase in tuition and required fees was approved for resident undergraduate students. With this adjustment, WMU's resident undergraduate tuition ranks eighth among Michigan’s 15 public universities.

A newly admitted full-time Michigan resident freshman will pay $15,954 in tuition and required fees this fall—an increase of $702 compared to the previous year. Despite this rise, Edgerton expressed pride in WMU's commitment to providing affordable higher education: "We’re proud of our role in expanding equitable access to higher education."

WMU is also increasing its investment in need-based financial aid by an additional $3 million. This effort aims to ensure that student support aligns with rising tuition costs.

The board approved an increase in differential tuition rates for certain programs within three colleges at WMU: Haworth College of Business (upper-level undergraduates only), College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and College of Fine Arts. Combined with the general tuition hike, these programs will see a total increase of 5%.

Additionally, a $425.2 million general fund budget was sanctioned by the board. Tuition revenue contributes approximately 68% to this fund.

For room and meal rates, trustees agreed on a 4% increase for residence halls and meals, along with a 3.5% rise for apartment rates at specific campus locations like Stadium Drive Apartments and Spindler Hall. These adjustments aim to maintain safe living environments while supporting recruitment efforts.

Starting fall 2025, annual costs for hall and meal plans will be $12,148 for traditional residence halls with a 14-meal plan option.

More detailed information about all rates can be accessed through WMU's Housing Rates webpage or via WMU News online.

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