Western Illinois University vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Lamar 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 Lamar University than Western Illinois University ($9,814 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 7.6% lower than at Western Illinois University ($10,464 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 71.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $6,359 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at Lamar University than at Western Illinois University (about $3,481 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Western Illinois University (91% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Lamar University students ($14,994 vs. $12,263).

Western Illinois University vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 50 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Lamar University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Western Illinois University vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Lamar 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 Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Lamar University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $2,704 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($227 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 42%)

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.