Western Illinois University vs. OC Comets

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with The University of Olivet in Olivet, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than OC Comets based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 979 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); The University of Olivet is in Olivet, MI (Distant Rural setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Olivet is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; The University of Olivet 17:1.

Western Illinois University vs. OC Comets Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or OC Comets? 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 OC Comets ($14,208 vs. $19,362).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 9.9% lower than at The University of Olivet ($11,320 vs. $12,567).
• The University of Olivet is 123.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $18,804 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 123.2% higher at OC Comets than at Western Illinois University (about $18,804 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Olivet than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Olivet students is 85.8% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($27,858 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. OC Comets Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Olivet (1020) is 30 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at OC Comets).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; The University of Olivet 910/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; The University of Olivet 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; OC Comets - Test-free.
• OC Comets has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 20.4% at OC Comets.

Western Illinois University vs. OC Comets Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and OC Comets? 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 The University of Olivet's (46%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than OC Comets graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $39,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $2,296 lower median loan debt than OC Comets graduates ($24,704 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OC Comets graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OC Comets students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 53%)

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.