Western Illinois University vs. Mount Mercy College

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Mount Mercy College based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Mount Mercy University is in Cedar Rapids, IA (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mount Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Mount Mercy University 14:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Mount Mercy College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Mount Mercy College? 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 Mount Mercy College ($14,208 vs. $24,347).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 2.4% lower than at Mount Mercy University ($11,320 vs. $11,600).
• Mount Mercy University is 167.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $25,614 more per year; $40,878.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 167.8% higher at Mount Mercy College than at Western Illinois University (about $25,614 more per year; $40,878.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mount Mercy University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mount Mercy University students is 105% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($30,735 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. Mount Mercy College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Mount Mercy College? 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 Mount Mercy College 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; Mount Mercy College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mount Mercy College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mount Mercy College students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Mount Mercy College has a higher acceptance rate (82.5%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 27.9% at Mount Mercy College.

Western Illinois University vs. Mount Mercy College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Mount Mercy College? 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).

• Mount Mercy University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Mount Mercy College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mount Mercy University graduates have a $2,454 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,250 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Mount Mercy College graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($230 vs. $255).
• More Mount Mercy College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.