Western Michigan University vs Andrews University: which has better ROI?
Andrews University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,188 in 10.4 years versus 11.7 years at Western Michigan University, on median earnings of $53,187 vs $53,562 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Michigan University | Andrews University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,273 | $12,547 |
| Total net cost | $61,092 | $50,188 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,562 | $53,187 |
| Median debt | $26,188 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 11.7 yrs | 10.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $42,948 | $46,352 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Michigan University or Andrews University?
Andrews University, at $12,547 a year after aid versus $15,273 — a gap of $2,726 a year, or $10,904 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Western Michigan University or Andrews University graduates earn more?
Western Michigan University graduates report a median $53,562 ten years after entry, $375 more than the $53,187 at Andrews University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Western Michigan University or Andrews University?
Andrews University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $26,188 at Western Michigan University, a difference of $188. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
72% of students finish at Andrews University, against 58% at Western Michigan University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.