Western Illinois University vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

Murray State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Murray 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 Murray State University than Western Illinois University ($10,182 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 1.8% lower than at Western Illinois University ($11,112 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 54.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $5,364 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30% higher at Murray State University than at Western Illinois University (about $4,572 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 5.8% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($14,994 vs. $14,178).

Western Illinois University vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 70 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Western Illinois University vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Murray 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 Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $3,204 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($222 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray 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.