Southern Illinois University vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Western Illinois University ($13,473 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 8.3% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,320 vs. $12,341).
• Western Illinois University is 14.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $1,930 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.5% higher at Western Illinois University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $1,930 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Western Illinois University (95% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 10.2% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($14,994 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 40 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University 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: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $2,204 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($232 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 51%)

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.