Eureka College vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eureka College in Eureka, 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 Eureka College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Eureka College vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eureka College 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 Eureka College ($14,208 vs. $19,128).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eureka College are 5.5% lower than at Western Illinois University ($10,698 vs. $11,320).
• Eureka College is 90.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $13,832 more per year; $29,096.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.6% higher at Eureka College than at Western Illinois University (about $13,832 more per year; $29,096.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eureka College than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eureka College students is 36.6% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($20,489 vs. $14,994).

Eureka College vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eureka College 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 Eureka College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eureka College (1010) is 20 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Eureka College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eureka College 870/1155; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eureka College 16/23; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eureka College - Test-free; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eureka College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Eureka College (3.22).
• Eureka College has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Eureka College vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Eureka College vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eureka College 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).

• Eureka College's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Eureka College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $671 lower median loan debt than Eureka College graduates ($24,704 vs. $25,375).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eureka College graduates ($255 vs. $262).
• More Eureka College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.