Western Illinois University vs. Lane College

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than Lane College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 738 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Western Illinois University vs. Lane College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Lane College? 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 Lane College than Western Illinois University ($11,803 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lane College are 32.8% lower than at Western Illinois University ($7,610 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 29.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lane College (about $3,474 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $11,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.5% higher at Western Illinois University than at Lane College (about $3,474 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $11,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lane College than at Western Illinois University (88% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 28.3% larger than aid received by Lane College students ($14,994 vs. $11,689).

Western Illinois University vs. Lane College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Lane College? 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 Lane College 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; Lane College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lane College Aug 21, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.88 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Lane College (2.57).

Western Illinois University vs. Lane College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Lane College? 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 Lane College's (34%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $21,000 more per year than Lane College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $11,760 lower median loan debt than Lane College graduates ($24,704 vs. $36,464).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $122 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lane College graduates ($255 vs. $377).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lane College students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 12%)

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.