Western Illinois University vs. Spalding

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Spalding University in Louisville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Spalding based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Spalding University is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Spalding University 9:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Spalding Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Spalding? 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 Spalding ($14,208 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 14.2% lower than at Western Illinois University ($9,710 vs. $11,320).
• Spalding University is 91.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $13,936 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.3% higher at Spalding than at Western Illinois University (about $13,936 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 29.6% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($19,429 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. Spalding Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Spalding? 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 Spalding and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 30 points higher than at Spalding (960).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Spalding).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Spalding University 875/1038.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Spalding University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Spalding - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 15.6% at Spalding.

Western Illinois University vs. Spalding Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Spalding? 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 Spalding University's (42%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Spalding graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $296 lower median loan debt than Spalding graduates ($24,704 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spalding graduates ($255 vs. $258).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Spalding students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 44%)

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.