CSU-Pueblo vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Colorado State University Pueblo in Pueblo, CO with Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colorado State University Pueblo is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (6,851 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado State University Pueblo is located in Pueblo, CO (Midsize City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Colorado State University Pueblo is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado State University Pueblo 16:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

CSU-Pueblo vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU-Pueblo 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 Colorado State University Pueblo than Western Illinois University ($13,079 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 6.4% lower than at Colorado State University Pueblo ($11,320 vs. $12,100).
• Western Illinois University is 57% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU-Pueblo (about $5,544 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,720.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.6% higher at CSU-Pueblo than at Western Illinois University (about $2,680 more per year; $17,944.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Colorado State University Pueblo than at Western Illinois University (96% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 34.7% larger than aid received by Colorado State University Pueblo students ($14,994 vs. $11,130).

CSU-Pueblo vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU-Pueblo 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-Pueblo.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colorado State University Pueblo (990) is the same as at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming CSU-Pueblo students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado State University Pueblo 870/1100; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado State University Pueblo 19/25; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU-Pueblo - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU-Pueblo Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at CSU-Pueblo (3.3).
• CSU-Pueblo has a higher acceptance rate (94.9%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at CSU-Pueblo vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

CSU-Pueblo vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU-Pueblo 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 Colorado State University Pueblo's (32%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than CSU-Pueblo graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colorado State University Pueblo graduates have a $4,954 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($19,750 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, CSU-Pueblo graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($204 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU-Pueblo students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 51%)

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.