Western Illinois University vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 5,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Midwestern State University is in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Midwestern State University 18:1.

Western Illinois University vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or MSU? 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 Midwestern State University than Western Illinois University ($11,215 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Midwestern State University are 1.7% lower than at Western Illinois University ($11,124 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 44.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $4,684 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $10,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.8% higher at Western Illinois University than at Midwestern State University (about $2,734 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Midwestern State University than at Western Illinois University (92% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 35.9% larger than aid received by Midwestern State University students ($14,994 vs. $11,037).

Western Illinois University vs. MSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Midwestern State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Midwestern State University 910/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Midwestern State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; MSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at MSU (3.2).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 12.9% at MSU.

Western Illinois University vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and MSU? 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 Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midwestern State University graduates have a $2,405 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,299 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($230 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 56%)

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.