Western Illinois University vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

Western Illinois University vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University ($14,208 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 20.5% lower than at Western Illinois University ($9,000 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 38% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Carolina State University (about $4,204 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $11,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.5% higher at South Carolina State University than at Western Illinois University (about $6,486 more per year; $21,750.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Carolina State University than at Western Illinois University (95% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 29.5% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($14,994 vs. $11,579).

Western Illinois University vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 60 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at South Carolina State University (3.17).
• South Carolina State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

Western Illinois University vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and South Carolina State 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).

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $8,501 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($24,704 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($255 vs. $343).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 27%)

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.