Western Illinois University vs. Bowie State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Bowie State University is in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Bowie State University 15:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Bowie State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Bowie State 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 Bowie State University ($14,208 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 7.5% lower than at Bowie State University ($11,320 vs. $12,241).
• Western Illinois University is 65.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $6,046 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.6% higher at Bowie State University than at Western Illinois University (about $4,674 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowie State University than at Western Illinois University (54% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 119.9% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($14,994 vs. $6,819).

Western Illinois University vs. Bowie State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 50 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Bowie State University 796/1083.
• 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; Bowie State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Bowie State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 27.3% at Bowie State University.

Western Illinois University vs. Bowie State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Bowie State 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 Bowie State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $313 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($24,391 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($252 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 29%)

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.