Rockford University vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, 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 Rockford University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rockford University vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford 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 Rockford University ($14,208 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 0.9% lower than at Rockford University ($11,320 vs. $11,420).
• Rockford University is 147.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $22,516 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 147.5% higher at Rockford University than at Western Illinois University (about $22,516 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University than at Western Illinois University (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 71.2% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($25,671 vs. $14,994).

Rockford University vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 30 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Rockford University vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $296 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($24,704 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($255 vs. $258).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockford University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 60%)

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.