Western Illinois University vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Jackson State University in Jackson, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 6,326 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Jackson State University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Jackson State University 14:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Jackson 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 Western Illinois University than Jackson State University ($14,208 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 21.1% lower than at Jackson State University ($11,320 vs. $14,341).
• Western Illinois University is 70.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $6,299 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.6% higher at Western Illinois University than at Jackson State University (about $3,299 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Jackson State University than at Western Illinois University (89% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 78.8% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($14,994 vs. $8,386).

Western Illinois University vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Jackson 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 Jackson State University and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 40 points higher than at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Jackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Jackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 6.6% at Jackson State University.

Western Illinois University vs. Jackson State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Jackson 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 Jackson State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $4,296 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($24,704 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($255 vs. $299).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 36%)

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.