Western Illinois University vs. NMSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with New Mexico State University Main Campus in Las Cruces, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

New Mexico State University Main Campus is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (15,408 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); New Mexico State University Main Campus is in Las Cruces, NM (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; New Mexico State University Main Campus 16:1.

Western Illinois University vs. NMSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or NMSU? 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 New Mexico State University Main Campus than Western Illinois University ($10,719 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 7.8% lower than at New Mexico State University Main Campus ($11,320 vs. $12,282).
• Western Illinois University is 86.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NMSU (about $7,081 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $8,183.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.8% higher at NMSU than at Western Illinois University (about $10,043 more per year; $25,307.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at New Mexico State University Main Campus than at Western Illinois University (96% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 4% larger than aid received by New Mexico State University Main Campus students ($14,994 vs. $14,420).

Western Illinois University vs. NMSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is the same as at NMSU (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at NMSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; New Mexico State University Main Campus 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; New Mexico State University Main Campus 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; NMSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman NMSU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• NMSU has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 20.6% at NMSU.

Western Illinois University vs. NMSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and NMSU? 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 New Mexico State University Main Campus's (46%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than NMSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, New Mexico State University Main Campus graduates have a $7,586 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($17,118 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, NMSU graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($176 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NMSU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 44%)

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.