Western Illinois University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Central College 11:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Central 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 Central College ($14,208 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 6.1% lower than at Central College ($11,320 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 37.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $5,724 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.5% higher at Central College than at Western Illinois University (about $5,724 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 7.7% larger than aid received by Central College students ($14,994 vs. $13,925).

Western Illinois University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 100 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 21% at Central College.

Western Illinois University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $2,296 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.