Western Illinois University vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Western Illinois University vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Bethel 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 Bethel University ($14,208 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 1.6% lower than at Western Illinois University ($11,140 vs. $11,320).
• Bethel University is 126.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $19,336 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.7% higher at Bethel University than at Western Illinois University (about $19,336 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Western Illinois University (95% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 67% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($25,046 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

Western Illinois University vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Bethel 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 Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $1,361 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($24,704 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($255 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.