Western Illinois University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town 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 15:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Bethel? 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 Bethel University than Western Illinois University ($13,112 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 6.9% lower than at Western Illinois University ($10,538 vs. $11,320).
• Bethel University is 22.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $3,448 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.6% higher at Bethel than at Western Illinois University (about $3,448 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Western Illinois University (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 18% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($17,700 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 10 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Western Illinois University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Bethel? 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 (32%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Bethel graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $3,546 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($24,704 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($255 vs. $292).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 33%)

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.