Judson University vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Judson University in Elgin, 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 Judson University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 960 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Judson University is located in Elgin, IL (Midsize City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Judson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Judson University 10:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Judson University vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Judson 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 Judson University ($14,208 vs. $18,673).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 8.1% lower than at Judson University ($11,320 vs. $12,320).
• Judson University is 105.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $16,096 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.5% higher at Judson University than at Western Illinois University (about $16,096 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Judson University than at Western Illinois University (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Judson University students is 60.2% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($24,024 vs. $14,994).

Judson University vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 20 points higher than at Judson University (970).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Judson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 816/1118; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 16/24; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Judson University - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Judson University (3.16).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than Judson University (47.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39.2% at Judson University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Judson University vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Judson 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).

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Judson University's (49%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Judson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Judson University graduates have a $1,704 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($23,000 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Judson University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($237 vs. $255).
• More Judson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.