Western Illinois University vs. Lakeland University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Lakeland University in Plymouth, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Lakeland University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 2,813 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Lakeland University is in Plymouth, WI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lakeland University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Lakeland University 12:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Lakeland University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Lakeland 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 Lakeland University ($14,208 vs. $24,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 6.8% lower than at Lakeland University ($11,320 vs. $12,140).
• Lakeland University is 118.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $18,132 more per year; $33,396.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 118.8% higher at Lakeland University than at Western Illinois University (about $18,132 more per year; $33,396.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lakeland University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lakeland University students is 63.8% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($24,559 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. Lakeland University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Lakeland 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 Lakeland University 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; Lakeland University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Lakeland University (3.0).
• Lakeland University has a higher acceptance rate (86.3%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 16.1% at Lakeland University.

Western Illinois University vs. Lakeland University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Lakeland 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 Lakeland University's (42%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Lakeland University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $754 lower median loan debt than Lakeland University graduates ($24,704 vs. $25,458).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lakeland University graduates ($255 vs. $263).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lakeland University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 57%)

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.