Western Illinois University vs. Harris-Stowe State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Harris Stowe State University in Saint Louis, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Harris-Stowe State University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,002 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Harris Stowe State University is in Saint Louis, MO (Large City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Harris Stowe State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Harris Stowe State University 12:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Harris-Stowe State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Harris-Stowe State University? 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 Harris Stowe State University than Western Illinois University ($9,418 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harris Stowe State University are 5.2% lower than at Western Illinois University ($10,728 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 117.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harris-Stowe State University (about $8,256 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $7,008.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.1% higher at Western Illinois University than at Harris Stowe State University (about $3,624 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harris Stowe State University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 21.7% larger than aid received by Harris Stowe State University students ($14,994 vs. $12,325).

Western Illinois University vs. Harris-Stowe State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Harris-Stowe State University? 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 Harris-Stowe State University and Western Illinois University.

• Harris Stowe State University 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; Harris-Stowe State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Harris-Stowe State University (3.04).

Western Illinois University vs. Harris-Stowe State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Harris-Stowe State University? 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 Harris Stowe State University's (8%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $15,900 more per year than Harris-Stowe State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $30,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $2,321 lower median loan debt than Harris-Stowe State University graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,025).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harris-Stowe State University graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harris-Stowe State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 27%)

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.