Founded in 1903 and originally known as Western Michigan College, Western Michigan University has grown into one of our nation’s top-100 public institutions. Western Michigan College became Western Michigan University in 1957, when the state designated it as the fourth public university in Michigan. WMU is a dynamic, globally engaged national research university that stands out among America’s 4,000 colleges and universities.19,718 undergraduate students are currently enrolled at Western Michigan University and 4,715 graduate students are contributing to the nearly 25,000 students enrolled. Undergraduate students at WMU may choose from 140 program offerings and 67 master's programs. $192 million in financial assistance was awarded to 18,300 WMU students in the 2006-07 academic year. WMU also has extended university programs which offers great education close to home through its eight branched campuses.