Western Illinois University

Overview

Western Illinois University (WIU), located in Macomb, Illinois, is a public university founded in 1899. The campus offers a rural setting approximately 75 miles from the Quad Cities and about 60 miles from Peoria, offering students the tranquility of a small-town atmosphere with access to urban amenities. Known for its sprawling, scenic surroundings and traditional architecture, WIU provides a conducive environment for academic pursuits. The university offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs with particular recognition in fields such as law enforcement and justice administration, agriculture, and business. With a moderately selective admissions process, WIU attracts a diverse student body seeking both academic rigor and a variety of extracurricular activities. The university supports residential students with on-campus housing options ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living. While WIU's athletic teams, known as the Leathernecks, compete in the NCAA Division I Summit League, the institution is not predominantly known for its athletics.

In the most recent statistical year 9,219 prospective students applied, and 6,914 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 1,074 enrolled in the school.  5,736 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,907 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $9,515 plus fees of $4,891. Western Illinois University is ranked 579 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.