Western Illinois University vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University ($14,208 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 28.6% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($11,320 vs. $15,864).
• Western Illinois University is 55.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $5,424 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.1% higher at Western Illinois University than at Metropolitan State University (about $5,424 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Metropolitan State University than at Western Illinois University (82% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 75.6% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($14,994 vs. $8,538).

Western Illinois University vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University 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; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

Western Illinois University vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $6,712 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($17,992 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($186 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 57%)

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.