Western Illinois University vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Northwestern Health Sciences University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,101 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Northwestern Health Sciences University is in Bloomington, MN (Small City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwestern Health Sciences University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Northwestern Health Sciences University 6:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Northwestern Health Sciences 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 Northwestern Health Sciences University ($14,208 vs. $36,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 24.3% lower than at Northwestern Health Sciences University ($11,320 vs. $14,962).
• Western Illinois University is 27% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern Health Sciences University (about $3,249 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,015.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27% higher at Western Illinois University than at Northwestern Health Sciences University (about $3,249 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,015.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Illinois University than at Northwestern Health Sciences University (53% vs. 50%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 317.5% larger than aid received by Northwestern Health Sciences University students ($14,994 vs. $3,591).

Western Illinois University vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Northwestern Health Sciences 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 Northwestern Health Sciences University and Western Illinois University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Northwestern Health Sciences University - Not reported.

Western Illinois University vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Northwestern Health Sciences 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).

• Graduates from Northwestern Health Sciences University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates have a $16,404 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($8,300 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates have an estimated $170 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($85 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwestern Health Sciences University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 60%)

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.