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 tables 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.

Cost details

• 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).
• 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 vs. $15,264).
• 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).

Admissions details

• Incoming Western Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 21) as students at North Central University (21).
• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at both Western Illinois University and North Central University.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central University Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Western Illinois University average a 3.45 high school GPA, 0.05 higher than at North Central University (3.4).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 29.6% at North Central University.

Loans and repayment

• 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, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.