Western Illinois University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than VSU based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 5,605 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

Western Illinois University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or VSU? 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 VSU ($14,208 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 15.2% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,320 vs. $13,355).
• Western Illinois University is 52% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $5,221 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.4% higher at VSU than at Western Illinois University (about $7,386 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia State University than at Western Illinois University (92% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 20.5% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($14,994 vs. $12,447).

Western Illinois University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 30 points higher than at VSU (960).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at VSU (2.85).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Western Illinois University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and VSU? 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 Virginia State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $4,796 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($24,704 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($255 vs. $305).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 28%)

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.