Western Illinois University vs. Academy College

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Academy College in Bloomington, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Academy College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 56 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Academy College is in Bloomington, MN (Small City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Academy College is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Academy College 8:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Academy College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Academy College? 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 Academy College ($14,208 vs. $29,093).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Academy College are 24.6% lower than at Western Illinois University ($8,539 vs. $11,320).
• Academy College is 22.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $3,416 more per year; $18,680.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.4% higher at Academy College than at Western Illinois University (about $3,416 more per year; $18,680.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Illinois University than at Academy College (53% vs. 50%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 213.6% larger than aid received by Academy College students ($14,994 vs. $4,781).

Western Illinois University vs. Academy College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Academy College? 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 Academy College and Western Illinois University.

• Academy College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Academy College - Open admission.

Western Illinois University vs. Academy College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Academy College? 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 Academy College's (50%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Academy College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $3,180 lower median loan debt than Academy College graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,884).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Academy College graduates ($255 vs. $288).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Academy College students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 38%)

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.