Principia College vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois 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 Principia College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Principia College vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia 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 Principia College ($14,208 vs. $18,248).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 18.6% lower than at Principia College ($11,320 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 127.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $19,416 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 127.2% higher at Principia College than at Western Illinois University (about $19,416 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Principia College than at Western Illinois University (90% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 102.8% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($30,402 vs. $14,994).

Principia College vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 160 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Principia College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Western Illinois University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia 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).

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.