Western Illinois University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 5,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Columbia College 20:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Columbia 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 Columbia College ($14,208 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 15.6% lower than at Western Illinois University ($9,552 vs. $11,320).
• Columbia College is 69.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $10,562 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.2% higher at Columbia College than at Western Illinois University (about $10,562 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Western Illinois University (91% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 5.9% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($15,882 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• 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; Columbia College - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).

Western Illinois University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Columbia College's (39%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $2,670 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,034 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($227 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 40%)

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.