Western Illinois University Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Western Illinois University is 75%.  Its admission rate is the 34th lowest in Illinois.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Western Illinois University and can you get accepted?

Western Illinois University is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 6,914 out of the 9,219 who applied were admitted.

Western Illinois University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.45. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 16% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Western Illinois University?

75% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Western Illinois University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.45 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 990 on the SAT
• Score 21 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top half of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Western Illinois University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Western Illinois University are to have around a 3.45 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Western Illinois University accepts 75% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Western Illinois University is 3.45 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #25 in Illinois for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Western Illinois University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by Western Illinois University. The school has a test blind policy.

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Western Illinois University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Western Illinois University is 990 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 880-1090. Students who get into Western Illinois University score in the top 81 percent of all SAT test takers..  Western Illinois University ranks #45 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 990 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Western Illinois University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 880 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 880, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 770, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Western Illinois University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 990 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 985, you have around a 75% chance of being admitted. A 1090 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 85% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Western Illinois University?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Western Illinois University is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 24.  The school ranks #40 in Illinois for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 18 and score in the score in the top 62 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 15.

45 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Western Illinois University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Western Illinois University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Western Illinois University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 75% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 85% with a 24 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

73% of Western Illinois University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 34% are in the top quarter.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Western Illinois University is $30.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Western Illinois University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Western Illinois University is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.45 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 990 on the SAT and 21 on the ACT will further lock in your application.