Western Illinois University vs. St. Kate's

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with St Catherine University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than St. Kate's based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 3,651 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Western Illinois University vs. St. Kate's Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or St. Kate's? 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 St. Kate's ($14,208 vs. $20,918).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 7.1% lower than at St Catherine University ($11,320 vs. $12,188).
• St Catherine University is 237.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $36,190 more per year; $51,454.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 237.1% higher at St. Kate's than at Western Illinois University (about $36,190 more per year; $51,454.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St Catherine University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St Catherine University students is 167.4% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($40,092 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. St. Kate's Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or St. Kate's? 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 St. Kate's and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at St Catherine University (1000) is 10 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming St. Kate's students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; St Catherine University 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; St Catherine University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; St. Kate's - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman St. Kate's students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• St. Kate's has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 18.8% at St. Kate's.

Western Illinois University vs. St. Kate's Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and St. Kate's? 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).

• St Catherine University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from St Catherine University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $3,296 lower median loan debt than St. Kate's graduates ($24,704 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Kate's graduates ($255 vs. $289).
• More St. Kate's graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.