North Park University vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Park University in Chicago, 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 North Park University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 2,557 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

North Park University vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Park 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 North Park University ($14,208 vs. $20,372).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Park University are 2% lower than at Western Illinois University ($11,090 vs. $11,320).
• North Park University is 140.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $21,446 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.5% higher at North Park University than at Western Illinois University (about $21,446 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Park University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 63.2% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($24,476 vs. $14,994).

North Park University vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Park 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 North Park University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Park University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming North Park 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: North Park University 890/1162; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Park University 20/26; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Park University - Test-free; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at North Park University (3.14).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than North Park University (68.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at North Park University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

North Park University vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Park 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 North Park University's (52%).
• Graduates from North Park University earn a median of about $600 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $1,546 lower median loan debt than North Park University graduates ($24,704 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Park University graduates ($255 vs. $271).
• More North Park University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.