Columbus State vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Columbus 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: Columbus State University 16:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Columbus State vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State 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 Columbus State University than Western Illinois University ($12,420 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 3.4% lower than at Columbus State University ($11,320 vs. $11,720).
• Western Illinois University is 158.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $9,366 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.4% higher at Columbus State than at Western Illinois University (about $2,346 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Western Illinois University (89% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 66.5% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($14,994 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State 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 Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 60 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Columbus State vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State 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 Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $1,296 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($24,704 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($255 vs. $268).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 37%)

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.