CSU vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, 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 CSU based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

CSU vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU 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 Chicago State University than Western Illinois University ($10,441 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 2% lower than at Chicago State University ($11,320 vs. $11,550).
• Western Illinois University is 19.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $2,510 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.7% higher at Western Illinois University than at Chicago State University (about $2,510 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Western Illinois University (99% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 21.3% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($18,194 vs. $14,994).

CSU vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU 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 CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 130 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

CSU vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU 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 Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $6,546 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($24,704 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($255 vs. $323).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU 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.