Western Illinois University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marshall University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Marshall 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 Marshall University than Western Illinois University ($8,076 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 14.8% lower than at Marshall University ($11,320 vs. $13,292).
• Western Illinois University is 66.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $6,102 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.3% higher at Marshall University than at Western Illinois University (about $5,078 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Western Illinois University (97% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 11.5% larger than aid received by Marshall University students ($14,994 vs. $13,448).

Western Illinois University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 40 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 Marshall University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Western Illinois University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Marshall 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 Marshall University's (44%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $1,570 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($23,134 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($239 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 43%)

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.