Western Illinois University vs. KWC

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than KWC based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 887 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Kentucky Wesleyan College is in Owensboro, KY (Small City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Kentucky Wesleyan College 15:1.

Western Illinois University vs. KWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or KWC? 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 KWC ($14,208 vs. $20,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 4.5% lower than at Kentucky Wesleyan College ($11,320 vs. $11,855).
• Kentucky Wesleyan College is 127.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $19,409 more per year; $34,673.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 127.2% higher at KWC than at Western Illinois University (about $19,409 more per year; $34,673.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kentucky Wesleyan College than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kentucky Wesleyan College students is 70.3% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($25,538 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. KWC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kentucky Wesleyan College (1010) is 20 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at KWC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Kentucky Wesleyan College 890/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Kentucky Wesleyan College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; KWC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at KWC (3.3).
• KWC has a higher acceptance rate (71.6%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 17.7% at KWC.

Western Illinois University vs. KWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and KWC? 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 Kentucky Wesleyan College's (44%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than KWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kentucky Wesleyan College graduates have a $1,797 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,907 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, KWC graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($236 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KWC students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 54%)

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.