Western Illinois University vs. Lincoln University of Missouri

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Lincoln University of Missouri based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 2,054 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Lincoln University is in Jefferson City, MO (Small City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Lincoln University 11:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University than Western Illinois University ($14,002 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln University are 9.4% lower than at Western Illinois University ($10,256 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 55.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lincoln University of Missouri (about $5,468 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,796.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.9% higher at Lincoln University of Missouri than at Western Illinois University (about $2,428 more per year; $17,692.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln University than at Western Illinois University (87% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 56.3% larger than aid received by Lincoln University students ($14,994 vs. $9,595).

Western Illinois University vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University of Missouri and Western Illinois University.

• Lincoln University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; Lincoln University of Missouri - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.7 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Lincoln University of Missouri (2.75).

Western Illinois University vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University's (20%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $14,500 more per year than Lincoln University of Missouri graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lincoln University graduates have a $744 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($23,960 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Lincoln University of Missouri graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($247 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln University of Missouri students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 37%)

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.