Western Illinois University vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

Western Illinois University vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University ($14,208 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 15.8% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,320 vs. $13,450).
• Western Illinois University is 127.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $8,565 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.3% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Western Illinois University (about $4,471 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Western Illinois University (87% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 25% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($14,994 vs. $11,999).

Western Illinois University vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 50 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

Western Illinois University vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $6,296 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($24,704 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($255 vs. $320).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 23%)

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.