University of Illinois Springfield vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Illinois Springfield in Springfield, 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 University of Illinois Springfield based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 4,628 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Springfield is located in Springfield, IL (Midsize City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• University of Illinois Springfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Illinois Springfield 13:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

University of Illinois Springfield vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Illinois Springfield 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 University of Illinois Springfield than Western Illinois University ($10,809 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 7.5% lower than at University of Illinois Springfield ($11,320 vs. $12,242).
• Western Illinois University is 24.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Illinois Springfield (about $3,012 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.2% higher at University of Illinois Springfield than at Western Illinois University (about $6,753 more per year; $22,017.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Illinois Springfield than at Western Illinois University (96% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 2.2% larger than aid received by University of Illinois Springfield students ($14,994 vs. $14,666).

University of Illinois Springfield vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Illinois Springfield 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 University of Illinois Springfield.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Springfield (1070) is 80 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming University of Illinois Springfield students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Springfield 940/1200; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Springfield 21/27; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Illinois Springfield - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman University of Illinois Springfield students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• University of Illinois Springfield has a higher acceptance rate (85.9%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at University of Illinois Springfield vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

University of Illinois Springfield vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Illinois Springfield 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).

• University of Illinois Springfield's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from University of Illinois Springfield earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have a $5,911 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($18,793 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($194 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Illinois Springfield students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 59%)

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.