Clayton State University vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clayton State University in Morrow, GA with Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Clayton State University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 6,163 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clayton State University is located in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Clayton 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: Clayton State University 20:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 7.4% lower than at Clayton State University ($11,320 vs. $12,226).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at Clayton State University than at Western Illinois University (about $1,268 more per year; $16,532 vs. $15,264).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clayton State University than at Western Illinois University (92% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 58.8% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($14,994 vs. $9,444).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 4 points higher at Western Illinois University than at Clayton State University (21 vs. 17, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at Clayton State University, test-free at Western Illinois University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Western Illinois University average a 3.45 high school GPA, 0.45 higher than at Clayton State University (3.0).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $2,796 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($255 vs. $284).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation (61% vs. 35%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.