Is Western Michigan University a good company to work for?

Western Michigan University has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, based on over 928 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has decreased by 5% over the last 12 months. 75% of employees would recommend working at Western Michigan University to a friend and 35% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about Western Michigan University have been left by employees working as Graduate Research Assistant , Research Assistant and Office Assistant .

Does Western Michigan University pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Western Michigan University employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.2 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Western Michigan University. This rating has improved by 2% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Western Michigan University?

75% of Western Michigan University employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Western Michigan University 3.8 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.8 for culture and values and 3.2 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Western Michigan University?

Graduate Teaching Assistant (45) , Research Assistant (22) , Graduate Assistant (18) , Graduate Research Assistant (17) , Teaching Assistant (14) , Office Assistant (12) , Professor (11) , Dining Services (10) , Administrative Assistant (9) , Instructor (9) , Student Ambassador (9) , Student Assistant (9) , Student Supervisor (9) , Student Worker (9) , Director (8)

What are the pros of working at Western Michigan University according to real employee reviews?

"The benefits are great with the best being free education!" ((in 53 reviews)); "Great people to work with and gives you a starting place in the career field." ((in 47 reviews)); "Flexible hours to work around class schedule" ((in 31 reviews)); "Easy on campus job with a lot of friendly customers and coworkers to engage with." ((in 21 reviews)); "Nice and friendly staff" ((in 19 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Western Michigan University according to real employee reviews?

"low pay and is defined by the public fubding" ((in 73 reviews)); "Low salary for student workers" ((in 23 reviews)); "Poor leadership in many departments, with many people overpaid and those that do most of the work underpaid." ((in 13 reviews)); "Management not supportive and is very disorganized" ((in 12 reviews)); "Spouse employment opportunities are limited." ((in 9 reviews))

What are employees saying about Western Michigan University layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Western Michigan University layoffs and their outlook for job security at Western Michigan University in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Western Michigan University locations?

Kalamazoo , Battle Creek , Detroit , Portage , Grand Rapids , Chicago , Louisville , Michigan City , Nashua , Farmington Hills , Western Location , Kalamazoo , Kalamazoo

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Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University reviews

4.0

75% would recommend to a friend

(843 total reviews)

Edward B. Montgomery

59% approve of CEO

35% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

4.1

Diversity & inclusion

3.8

Culture & values

3.8

Work/Life balance

3.5

Senior management

3.2

Compensation and benefits

3.2

Career opportunities

Western Michigan University has an employee rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, based on 843 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Western Michigan University employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Education industry (3.7 stars).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

843 reviews

4.0

Feb 23, 2009

Good place to work, with the potential to be great.

Assistant public relations director

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The people here are very caring and it makes it an easy place to open up and be myself at work. My immediate superior does a great job of letting an individual come through in their work. The benefits are fantastic, I have an opportunity to get my masters degree for free, with the exception of books and fees.

Cons

Technologically stuck in a different era. The senior management has problems adopting new ideas. We don't use our money wisely. There are some people that are put in the wrong position mainly because they are a "company guy," and it reflects negatively on the position they are in and work they do. The pay is fair, but it is a little low compared to other institutions.

4.0

Oct 1, 2008

A great place to learn, horrible to earn.

Teaching associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I was a teaching assistant in the School of Communication where faculty and staff were very supportive and warm. The schedule was flexible and in the second year of the masters program most assistants become instructor or record for an introductory interpersonal course.

Cons

It is hard, almost impossible, to support yourself on the stipend - you will have to supplement your income with student loans.

1.0

Jun 23, 2008

No advice

Assistant professor

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

It's a university. Some departments are okay. The Kalamazoo Promise might be nice, if you live in Kalamazoo. Depending on department, it can be a stepping stone to a better job. It is only a couple hours from Chicago, and it is on the Amtrak line. The library is adequate. There are some good students amongst all the partiers. Convicted drug dealer Tim Allen is an alumnus. The University president once appeared on convicted drug dealer alumnus Tim Allen's TV show. You are only 45 minutes from Lake Michigan. The pay is about average for the size of the University.

Cons

Western wants to be a research university on a teaching university budget. Nominally the teaching loads in research departments are compatible with research time, but the class sizes are so big it cancels out. Different departments do not trust others. The general intellectual atmosphere of the University is very poor. Hiring and tenure policies are biased if you are not a member of a specifically recruited group. For a small town with a relatively large university, Kalamazoo does not feel like a college town. There are few nearby neighborhoods that are attractive for faculty to live in. Spouse employment opportunities are limited.

Viewing 820 - 822 of 843 Reviews

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Jobs at Western Michigan University

Administrative Assistant I

Medical Office Assistant

Student Services Specialist

Associate Director Admission Operations

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Good place to work, with the potential to be great.

A great place to learn, horrible to earn.

No advice

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