Western Illinois University vs. University of St. Mary

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than University of St. Mary based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,462 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); University of Saint Mary is in Leavenworth, KS (Distant Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Saint Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; University of Saint Mary 11:1.

Western Illinois University vs. University of St. Mary Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or University of St. Mary ? 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 University of St. Mary ($14,208 vs. $23,020).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Saint Mary are 8.8% lower than at Western Illinois University ($10,328 vs. $11,320).
• University of Saint Mary is 131.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $20,116 more per year; $35,380.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 131.8% higher at University of St. Mary than at Western Illinois University (about $20,116 more per year; $35,380.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Saint Mary than at Western Illinois University (99% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Saint Mary students is 71.6% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($25,726 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. University of St. Mary Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or University of St. Mary ? 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 University of St. Mary and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 70 points higher than at University of St. Mary (920).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at University of St. Mary ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; University of Saint Mary 806/1028.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; University of Saint Mary 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; University of St. Mary - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at University of St. Mary (3.36).
• University of St. Mary has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 20.7% at University of St. Mary .

Western Illinois University vs. University of St. Mary Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and University of St. Mary ? 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 University of Saint Mary's (42%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than University of St. Mary graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Saint Mary graduates have a $954 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($23,750 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, University of St. Mary graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($245 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of St. Mary students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 58%)

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.