Western Illinois University vs. BSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Ball State University in Muncie, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Ball State University is in Muncie, IN (Small City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Ball State University 14:1.

Western Illinois University vs. BSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or BSU? 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 Ball State University than Western Illinois University ($13,599 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 8.2% lower than at Ball State University ($11,320 vs. $12,334).
• Western Illinois University is 37.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $4,182 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.1% higher at BSU than at Western Illinois University (about $14,366 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ball State University than at Western Illinois University (77% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 13.4% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($14,994 vs. $13,218).

Western Illinois University vs. BSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 180 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming BSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Ball State University 1080/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Ball State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; BSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 20.4% at BSU.

Western Illinois University vs. BSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and BSU? 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).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than BSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $296 lower median loan debt than BSU graduates ($24,704 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BSU graduates ($255 vs. $258).
• More BSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.