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 table 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.

Clayton State University vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University 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 Clayton State University than Western Illinois University ($8,192 vs. $14,208).
• 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).
• Western Illinois University is 194.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $10,084 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at Clayton State University than at Western Illinois University (about $1,268 more per year; $16,532.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• 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).

Clayton State University vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clayton State University 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 Clayton State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 20 points higher than at Clayton State University (970).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Clayton State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 860/1078; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Clayton State University vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clayton State University 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 Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Clayton State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• 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 https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.