Elmhurst University vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL 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 Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst 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 Western Illinois University than Elmhurst University ($14,208 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 22.1% lower than at Elmhurst University ($11,320 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 181.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $27,691 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 181.4% higher at Elmhurst University than at Western Illinois University (about $27,691 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 100.6% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($30,079 vs. $14,994).

Elmhurst University vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 140 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Elmhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (73.6%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Elmhurst University vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst 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).

• Elmhurst University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $3,204 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($222 vs. $255).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 61%)

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.