Western Illinois University vs. Purdue Northwest

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Purdue University Northwest is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (9,051 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Purdue University Northwest is in Hammond, Indiana (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Purdue University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Purdue University Northwest 17:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Purdue Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Purdue Northwest? 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 Purdue University Northwest than Western Illinois University ($7,916 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Purdue University Northwest are 21.3% lower than at Western Illinois University ($8,907 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 76% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purdue Northwest (about $6,589 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $8,675.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Purdue Northwest than at Western Illinois University (about $830 more per year; $16,094.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Purdue University Northwest than at Western Illinois University (89% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 114.4% larger than aid received by Purdue University Northwest students ($14,994 vs. $6,992).

Western Illinois University vs. Purdue Northwest Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Purdue University Northwest (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 Purdue Northwest).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Purdue University Northwest 890/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Purdue University Northwest 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Purdue Northwest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Purdue Northwest Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Purdue Northwest (3.19).
• Purdue Northwest has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 18.3% at Purdue Northwest.

Western Illinois University vs. Purdue Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Purdue Northwest? 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).

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.