Monmouth College vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Monmouth College in Monmouth, 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 Monmouth College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Monmouth College is located in Monmouth, IL (Distant Town setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Monmouth College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Monmouth College 9:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Monmouth College vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Monmouth 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 Monmouth College ($14,208 vs. $17,768).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 4.1% lower than at Monmouth College ($11,320 vs. $11,798).
• Monmouth College is 194.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $29,658 more per year; $44,922.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 194.3% higher at Monmouth College than at Western Illinois University (about $29,658 more per year; $44,922.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Monmouth College than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Monmouth College students is 162.3% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($39,324 vs. $14,994).

Monmouth College vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Monmouth College (1110) is 120 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Monmouth College 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: Monmouth College 1000/1210; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Monmouth College 20/27; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Monmouth College - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Monmouth College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Monmouth College has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Monmouth College vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Monmouth College vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Monmouth 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).

• Monmouth College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates of Monmouth College and Western Illinois University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $46,000), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $2,296 lower median loan debt than Monmouth College graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Monmouth College graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Monmouth College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.