Western Illinois University
About Western Illinois University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, Illinois. It offers programs in law enforcement, education, business, and agriculture in a small college-town setting in western Illinois.
Founded
1899
Location
Macomb, Illinois
Students
6,217
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
71.2%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
45.2%
Below national average
Tuition
$15,264
Per year
Avg Net Price
$12,937
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$54,163
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
71.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$30
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
With a 71.2% acceptance rate, Western Illinois University admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
45.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
61.4%
4-Year Grad
32%
6-Year Grad
51%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
85.4%
$/Student
$12.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 32% graduation rate is below average, but 61.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,264
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,320
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,254
After Financial Aid
$12,937
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$6,941
Receive Grants
28.1%
Take Loans
31.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $28,254/yr, including $11,320 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $12,937.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Western Illinois University fund their education.
While in School
28.1%
Get Grants
Free money
31.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$36,222
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,251
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$268/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,251 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $54K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Western Illinois University.
Gender
58.8%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,410
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,807
Graduates
37.7%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
16.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 37.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
4,410
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Western Illinois University fields 9 varsity teams with 439 student athletes, about 10% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Ohio Valley
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
439
10% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
244
Men
195
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Western Illinois Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$54,163
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Criminal Justice and Corrections
$41K
197 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$38K
120 grads
1yr Earnings
Agriculture, General
$49K
79 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$45K
48 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$41K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $43K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Illinois University
What is the acceptance rate at Western Illinois University?▾
How much does Western Illinois University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Western Illinois University?▾
How much do Western Illinois University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.