EIU vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern Illinois University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

EIU vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 Eastern Illinois University than Western Illinois University ($13,787 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 7.8% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($11,320 vs. $12,282).
• Western Illinois University is 11.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than EIU (about $1,585 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $13,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at EIU than at Western Illinois University (about $953 more per year; $16,217.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Illinois University than at Western Illinois University (95% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 15.7% larger than aid received by Eastern Illinois University students ($14,994 vs. $12,960).

EIU vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Illinois University (990) is the same as at Western Illinois University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at EIU (3.39).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

EIU vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than EIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $1,054 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($23,650 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($244 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EIU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 59%)

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.