Western Illinois University vs. Bellin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Bellin College in Green Bay, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Bellin College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 927 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Bellin College is in Green Bay, WI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bellin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Bellin College 10:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Bellin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Bellin 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 Bellin College ($14,208 vs. $37,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 8.5% lower than at Bellin College ($11,320 vs. $12,375).
• Bellin College is 102.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $15,688 more per year; $30,952.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.8% higher at Bellin College than at Western Illinois University (about $15,688 more per year; $30,952.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellin College than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 206.8% larger than aid received by Bellin College students ($14,994 vs. $4,887).

Western Illinois University vs. Bellin College Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming Bellin College 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.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Bellin College 21/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Bellin College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellin College May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bellin College students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Bellin College has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 85.5% at Bellin College.

Western Illinois University vs. Bellin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Bellin 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).

• Bellin College's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Bellin College earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,700 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bellin College graduates have a $9,704 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($15,000 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Bellin College graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($155 vs. $255).
• More Bellin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.