SIUE vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (11,893 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is located in Edwardsville, IL (Large Suburban setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville 15:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

SIUE vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SIUE 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 SIUE ($14,208 vs. $17,115).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 21.9% lower than at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ($11,320 vs. $14,490).
• Western Illinois University is 18.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than SIUE (about $2,342 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,922.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.1% higher at Western Illinois University than at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (about $2,342 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,922.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville than at Western Illinois University (91% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 29.2% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students ($14,994 vs. $11,602).

SIUE vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SIUE 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 SIUE.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (1070) is 80 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming SIUE 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: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 950/1190; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 20/27; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SIUE - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SIUE May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SIUE students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• SIUE has a higher acceptance rate (97.5%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at SIUE vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

SIUE vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SIUE 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 Edwardsville's (52%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates have a $3,274 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($21,430 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, SIUE graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($221 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SIUE students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.