Western Illinois University vs. Austin Peay State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Austin Peay State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (10,439 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Austin Peay State University is in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Austin Peay State University 14:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Austin Peay State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Austin Peay State 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 Austin Peay State University than Western Illinois University ($9,882 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 15.7% lower than at Austin Peay State University ($11,320 vs. $13,430).
• Western Illinois University is 69.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Austin Peay State University (about $6,258 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,006.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at Western Illinois University than at Austin Peay State University (about $498 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $14,766.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Austin Peay State University than at Western Illinois University (96% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 32.8% larger than aid received by Austin Peay State University students ($14,994 vs. $11,290).

Western Illinois University vs. Austin Peay State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Austin Peay State 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 Austin Peay State University and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 10 points higher than at Austin Peay State University (980).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Austin Peay State University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Austin Peay State University 843/1126.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Austin Peay State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Austin Peay State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Austin Peay State University (3.3).
• Austin Peay State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 27.5% at Austin Peay State University.

Western Illinois University vs. Austin Peay State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Austin Peay State 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 Austin Peay State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Austin Peay State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have a $2,204 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Austin Peay State 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 Austin Peay State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 44%)

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.