Western Illinois University vs. College of Saint Mary

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than College of Saint Mary based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 786 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); College of Saint Mary is in Omaha, NE (Large City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Saint Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; College of Saint Mary 8:1.

Western Illinois University vs. College of Saint Mary Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or College of Saint Mary? 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 College of Saint Mary ($14,208 vs. $17,078).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Saint Mary are 19.8% lower than at Western Illinois University ($9,084 vs. $11,320).
• College of Saint Mary is 60.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $9,246 more per year; $24,510.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.6% higher at College of Saint Mary than at Western Illinois University (about $9,246 more per year; $24,510.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Saint Mary than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Saint Mary students is 25.7% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($18,847 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. College of Saint Mary Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or College of Saint Mary? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between College of Saint Mary and Western Illinois University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; College of Saint Mary - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at College of Saint Mary (3.4).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than College of Saint Mary (44.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 35.3% at College of Saint Mary.

Western Illinois University vs. College of Saint Mary Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and College of Saint Mary? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than College of Saint Mary's (30%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than College of Saint Mary graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $41,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $1,296 lower median loan debt than College of Saint Mary graduates ($24,704 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than College of Saint Mary graduates ($255 vs. $268).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former College of Saint Mary students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 59%)

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.