Western Illinois University vs. Bellevue University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Bellevue University in Bellevue, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bellevue University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (14,667 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Bellevue University is in Bellevue, NE (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bellevue University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Bellevue University 12:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Bellevue University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Bellevue 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 Western Illinois University than Bellevue University ($14,208 vs. $16,210).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellevue University are 0.8% lower than at Western Illinois University ($11,235 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 54.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bellevue University (about $5,361 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.1% higher at Western Illinois University than at Bellevue University (about $5,361 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellevue University than at Western Illinois University (62% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 110.1% larger than aid received by Bellevue University students ($14,994 vs. $7,136).

Western Illinois University vs. Bellevue University Admissions comparison

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

• Bellevue University 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; Bellevue University - Open admission.

Western Illinois University vs. Bellevue University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Bellevue 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 Bellevue University's (37%).
• Graduates from Bellevue University earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,400 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bellevue University graduates have a $6,189 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($18,515 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Bellevue University graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($191 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bellevue University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 53%)

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.