Western Illinois University vs. Allen College

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Allen College is in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Allen College 8:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Allen College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Allen College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 22.3% lower than at Western Illinois University ($8,800 vs. $11,320).
• Allen College is 27.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $4,252 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.9% higher at Allen College than at Western Illinois University (about $4,252 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Illinois University than at Allen College (53% vs. 0%).

Western Illinois University vs. Allen College Admissions comparison

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

• 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; Allen College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027.

Western Illinois University vs. Allen College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Allen 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 Allen College's (50%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $7,954 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($16,750 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($173 vs. $255).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.