Western Illinois University vs. Southeast Missouri State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southeast Missouri State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (9,501 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Southeast Missouri State University is in Cape Girardeau, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southeast Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Southeast Missouri State University 20:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Southeast Missouri State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University ($14,208 vs. $16,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 7.2% lower than at Southeast Missouri State University ($11,320 vs. $12,198).
• Western Illinois University is 54.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southeast Missouri State University (about $5,361 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.1% higher at Western Illinois University than at Southeast Missouri State University (about $5,361 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southeast Missouri State University than at Western Illinois University (94% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 76.2% larger than aid received by Southeast Missouri State University students ($14,994 vs. $8,512).

Western Illinois University vs. Southeast Missouri State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 50 points higher than at Southeast Missouri State University (940).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Southeast Missouri State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Southeast Missouri State University 850/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Southeast Missouri State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Southeast Missouri State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southeast Missouri State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southeast Missouri State University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Southeast Missouri State University has a higher acceptance rate (73.5%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 17.9% at Southeast Missouri State University.

Western Illinois University vs. Southeast Missouri State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University's (46%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Southeast Missouri State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have a $2,177 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,527 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($232 vs. $255).
• More Southeast Missouri State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.