AAMU vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama A & M University in Normal, AL with Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alabama A & M University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (7,295 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama A & M University is located in Normal, AL (Midsize City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Alabama A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama A & M University 19:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

AAMU vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AAMU or Western Illinois University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Western Illinois University than AAMU ($14,208 vs. $17,152).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 0.7% lower than at Alabama A & M University ($11,320 vs. $11,402).
• Western Illinois University is 52.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than AAMU (about $5,240 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $10,024.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at AAMU than at Western Illinois University (about $3,370 more per year; $18,634.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alabama A & M University than at Western Illinois University (86% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 16.7% larger than aid received by Alabama A & M University students ($14,994 vs. $12,844).

AAMU vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AAMU or Western Illinois University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Western Illinois University and AAMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 60 points higher than at AAMU (930).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 16 at AAMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 810/1040; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 14/19; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AAMU - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at AAMU (3.02).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than AAMU (58%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.5% at AAMU vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

AAMU vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AAMU and Western Illinois University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Alabama A & M University's (32%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than AAMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $10,296 lower median loan debt than AAMU graduates ($24,704 vs. $35,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AAMU graduates ($255 vs. $361).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AAMU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.