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 table 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.

Western Illinois University vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Washburn University? 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 Washburn University than Western Illinois University ($11,488 vs. $14,208).
• 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).
• Western Illinois University is 53.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $5,319 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.2% higher at Washburn University than at Western Illinois University (about $5,685 more per year; $20,949.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• 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).

Western Illinois University vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Washburn University? 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 Washburn University and 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.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Washburn University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).

Western Illinois University vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Washburn University? 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 Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• 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 https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.