Western Illinois University vs. Southern University and A & M College

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern University and A & M College is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (7,452 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Southern University and A & M College is in Baton Rouge, LA (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern University and A & M College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Southern University and A & M College 21:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Southern University and A & M College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College ($14,208 vs. $18,353).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern University and A & M College are 29.2% lower than at Western Illinois University ($8,018 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 53.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern University and A & M College (about $5,342 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,922.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Southern University and A & M College than at Western Illinois University (about $2,008 more per year; $17,272.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern University and A & M College than at Western Illinois University (90% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 88.7% larger than aid received by Southern University and A & M College students ($14,994 vs. $7,945).

Western Illinois University vs. Southern University and A & M College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 80 points higher than at Southern University and A & M College (910).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Southern University and A & M College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Southern University and A & M College 790/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Southern University and A & M College 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Southern University and A & M College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern University and A & M College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Southern University and A & M College (3.1).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than Southern University and A & M College (35.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 20.1% at Southern University and A & M College.

Western Illinois University vs. Southern University and A & M College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College's (19%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Southern University and A & M College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $6,046 lower median loan debt than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($24,704 vs. $30,750).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($255 vs. $317).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern University and A & M College students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 25%)

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.