Western Illinois University vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Washburn University in Topeka, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Washburn University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 6,033 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Washburn University 15:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 1.6% lower than at Washburn University ($11,320 vs. $11,501).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.2% higher at Washburn University than at Western Illinois University (about $5,685 more per year; $20,949 vs. $15,264).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at Western Illinois University (95% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 53.3% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($14,994 vs. $9,781).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Western Illinois University, not reported at Washburn University.
• Enrolled first-year students at Washburn University average a 3.46 high school GPA, 0.01 higher than at Western Illinois University (3.45).

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $7,804 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($16,900 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($174 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation (61% vs. 49%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.