Western Illinois University vs. UW-Stout

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with University of Wisconsin Stout in Menomonie, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wisconsin Stout is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (6,926 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); University of Wisconsin Stout is in Menomonie, WI (Distant Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Stout is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; University of Wisconsin Stout 18:1.

Western Illinois University vs. UW-Stout Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or UW-Stout? 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 UW-Stout ($14,208 vs. $15,673).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Wisconsin Stout are 20.4% lower than at Western Illinois University ($9,008 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 42.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW-Stout (about $4,563 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $10,701.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.2% higher at UW-Stout than at Western Illinois University (about $4,001 more per year; $19,265.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Illinois University than at University of Wisconsin Stout (53% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 136.7% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Stout students ($14,994 vs. $6,335).

Western Illinois University vs. UW-Stout Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or UW-Stout? 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 UW-Stout and Western Illinois University.

• Incoming UW-Stout students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; University of Wisconsin Stout 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; UW-Stout - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UW-Stout Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at UW-Stout (3.35).
• UW-Stout has a higher acceptance rate (87.7%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 24.4% at UW-Stout.

Western Illinois University vs. UW-Stout Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and UW-Stout? 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).

• The graduation rate at Western Illinois University is the same as at University of Wisconsin Stout (53% vs. 53%).
• Graduates from University of Wisconsin Stout earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $796 lower median loan debt than UW-Stout graduates ($24,704 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UW-Stout graduates ($255 vs. $263).
• More UW-Stout graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.