Western Illinois University vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than Marian University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Marian University 11:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Marian 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 Marian University ($14,208 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 13% lower than at Western Illinois University ($9,849 vs. $11,320).
• Marian University is 130.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $19,914 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 130.5% higher at Marian University than at Western Illinois University (about $19,914 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marian University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marian University students is 45.4% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($21,805 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 50 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Marian University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Marian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Marian University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• Marian University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 18% at Marian University.

Western Illinois University vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Marian 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 Marian University's (52%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Marian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $2,296 lower median loan debt than Marian University graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian University graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Marian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 61%)

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.