Western Illinois University vs. EWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Washington University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (10,492 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Eastern Washington University is in Cheney, WA (Town Fringe setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Eastern Washington University 18:1.

Western Illinois University vs. EWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or EWU? 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 EWU ($14,208 vs. $14,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 27.3% lower than at Eastern Washington University ($11,320 vs. $15,574).
• Western Illinois University is 77.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than EWU (about $6,678 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $8,586.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.1% higher at EWU than at Western Illinois University (about $10,695 more per year; $25,959.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Washington University than at Western Illinois University (86% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 49.9% larger than aid received by Eastern Washington University students ($14,994 vs. $10,001).

Western Illinois University vs. EWU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is the same as at EWU (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at EWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Eastern Washington University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Eastern Washington University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; EWU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: EWU Sep 10, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at EWU (3.29).
• EWU has a higher acceptance rate (90.7%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 22.7% at EWU.

Western Illinois University vs. EWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and EWU? 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 Eastern Washington University's (46%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $700 more per year than EWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Washington University graduates have a $3,886 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($20,818 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, EWU graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($215 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EWU 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.