Augustana vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Augustana based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 2,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Augustana College is located in Rock Island, IL (Small City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Augustana College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Augustana College 12:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Augustana vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Augustana 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 Augustana ($14,208 vs. $24,714).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 9.5% lower than at Augustana College ($11,320 vs. $12,502).
• Augustana College is 238% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $36,334 more per year; $51,598.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 238% higher at Augustana than at Western Illinois University (about $36,334 more per year; $51,598.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Augustana College than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Augustana College students is 161.7% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($39,242 vs. $14,994).

Augustana vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Augustana 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 Augustana.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Augustana College (1150) is 160 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Augustana students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Augustana College 1030/1270; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Augustana College 21/29; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Augustana - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Augustana Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Augustana (3.3).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than Augustana (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Augustana vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Augustana vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Augustana 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).

• Augustana College's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Augustana College earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,100 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $2,296 lower median loan debt than Augustana graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Augustana graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Augustana graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 61%)

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.