The Chicago School at Chicago vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare The Chicago School at Chicago in Chicago, IL with Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than The Chicago School at Chicago based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,100 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The Chicago School at Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• The Chicago School at Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The Chicago School at Chicago 17:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

The Chicago School at Chicago vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, The Chicago School at Chicago or Western Illinois University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 38.9% lower than at The Chicago School at Chicago ($11,320 vs. $18,536).
• The Chicago School at Chicago is 42.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $6,516 more per year; $21,780.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.7% higher at The Chicago School at Chicago than at Western Illinois University (about $6,516 more per year; $21,780.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Illinois University than at The Chicago School at Chicago (53% vs. 0%).

The Chicago School at Chicago vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, The Chicago School at Chicago or Western Illinois University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Western Illinois University and The Chicago School at Chicago.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresWestern Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresWestern Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: The Chicago School at Chicago - Test optional; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than The Chicago School at Chicago (34.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40% at The Chicago School at Chicago vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

The Chicago School at Chicago vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for The Chicago School at Chicago and Western Illinois University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate is 53%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for The Chicago School at Chicago.
• Graduates from Western Illinois University have median earnings of about $46,000 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for The Chicago School at Chicago.

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.