Western Illinois University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Western Illinois University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Western Illinois University ($11,055 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 16.3% lower than at West Virginia State University ($11,320 vs. $13,522).
• Western Illinois University is 59.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $5,694 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Western Illinois University than at West Virginia State University (about $274 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Virginia State University than at Western Illinois University (88% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 66.7% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($14,994 vs. $8,993).

Western Illinois University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 90 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Western Illinois University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $13,300 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $1,454 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($240 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 35%)

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.