Lewis University vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Lewis University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (7,011 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lewis University is located in Romeoville, IL (Large Suburban setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Lewis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lewis University 13:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Lewis University vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lewis 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 Lewis University ($14,208 vs. $18,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 6.8% lower than at Lewis University ($11,320 vs. $12,140).
• Lewis University is 156.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $23,936 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 156.8% higher at Lewis University than at Western Illinois University (about $23,936 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 91.5% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($28,717 vs. $14,994).

Lewis University vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lewis University (1090) is 100 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Lewis University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis University 960/1210; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis University 20/27; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lewis University - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Lewis University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Lewis University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Lewis University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Lewis University vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lewis 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).

• Lewis University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Lewis University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,500 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lewis University graduates have a $79 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($24,625 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Lewis University graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($254 vs. $255).
• More Lewis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.