Western Illinois University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University ($14,208 vs. $15,547).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 2.6% lower than at Western Illinois University ($11,028 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 47.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $4,903 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.3% higher at Western Illinois University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $4,903 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwest Minnesota State University than at Western Illinois University (94% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 72.9% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($14,994 vs. $8,674).

Western Illinois University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southwest Minnesota State University (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 Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Western Illinois University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $3,026 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($21,678 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($224 vs. $255).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.