Western Illinois University vs. North Central University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than North Central University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); North Central University is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Central University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; North Central University 14:1.

Western Illinois University vs. North Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or North 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 Central University ($14,208 vs. $26,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central University are 11.2% lower than at Western Illinois University ($10,054 vs. $11,320).
• North Central University is 111.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $16,956 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.1% higher at North Central University than at Western Illinois University (about $16,956 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central University than at Western Illinois University (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central University students is 20.8% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($18,112 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. North Central University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central University (1050) is 60 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at North Central University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; North Central University 950/1148.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; North Central University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; North Central University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at North Central University (3.4).
• North Central University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 29.6% at North Central University.

Western Illinois University vs. North Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and North 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 Central University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than North Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $296 lower median loan debt than North Central University graduates ($24,704 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central University graduates ($255 vs. $258).
• More North Central University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.