Western Illinois University vs. CUW

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than CUW based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 5,253 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Concordia University Wisconsin is in Mequon, WI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Concordia University Wisconsin is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Concordia University Wisconsin 11:1.

Western Illinois University vs. CUW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or CUW? 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 CUW ($14,208 vs. $31,916).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 14.2% lower than at Concordia University Wisconsin ($11,320 vs. $13,200).
• Concordia University Wisconsin is 132.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $20,206 more per year; $35,470.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 132.4% higher at CUW than at Western Illinois University (about $20,206 more per year; $35,470.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Concordia University Wisconsin than at Western Illinois University (99% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concordia University Wisconsin students is 42.6% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($21,379 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. CUW Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming CUW 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.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Concordia University Wisconsin 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; CUW - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CUW students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• CUW has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 14.1% at CUW.

Western Illinois University vs. CUW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and CUW? 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).

• Concordia University Wisconsin's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Concordia University Wisconsin earn a median of about $100 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Concordia University Wisconsin graduates have a $779 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($23,925 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, CUW graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($247 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CUW students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 52%)

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.