Western Illinois University vs. OU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Ottawa University Ottawa in Ottawa, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than OU based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 999 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Western Illinois University vs. OU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or OU? 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 OU ($14,208 vs. $28,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 17% lower than at Ottawa University Ottawa ($11,320 vs. $13,646).
• Ottawa University Ottawa is 135.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $20,616 more per year; $35,880.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.1% higher at OU than at Western Illinois University (about $20,616 more per year; $35,880.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ottawa University Ottawa than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ottawa University Ottawa students is 58% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($23,692 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. OU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 110 points higher than at OU (880).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at OU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Ottawa University Ottawa 750/1000.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Ottawa University Ottawa 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; OU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at OU (3.12).
• OU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 14.1% at OU.

Western Illinois University vs. OU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and OU? 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 Ottawa University Ottawa's (47%).
• Graduates from Ottawa University Ottawa earn a median of about $400 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ottawa University Ottawa graduates have a $2,829 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($21,875 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, OU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($226 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 46%)

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.