Western Illinois University vs. Cox College

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than Cox College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Cox College is in Springfield, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cox College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Cox College 8:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Cox College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Cox College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 17.2% lower than at Cox College ($11,320 vs. $13,664).
• Western Illinois University is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cox College (about $442 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $14,822.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Western Illinois University than at Cox College (about $442 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $14,822.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Illinois University than at Cox College (53% vs. 0%).

Western Illinois University vs. Cox College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Cox 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 Cox College and 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.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Cox College - Required.
• Cox College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 100% at Cox College.

Western Illinois University vs. Cox College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Cox College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Cox College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cox College graduates have a $4,520 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($20,184 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Cox College graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($208 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cox College students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 60%)

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.