Western Illinois University vs. St. Ambrose University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than St. Ambrose University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 2,498 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Saint Ambrose University is in Davenport, IA (Small City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Saint Ambrose University 11:1.

Western Illinois University vs. St. Ambrose University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University ($14,208 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 15.4% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($11,320 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 140.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $21,394 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.2% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Western Illinois University (about $21,394 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 72.6% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($25,877 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. St. Ambrose University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Ambrose University (1050) is 60 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming St. Ambrose University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Saint Ambrose University 930/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Saint Ambrose University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; St. Ambrose University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at St. Ambrose University (3.39).
• St. Ambrose University has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 16.7% at St. Ambrose University .

Western Illinois University vs. St. Ambrose University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and St. Ambrose 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $1,060 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($24,704 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($255 vs. $266).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 61%)

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.