Western Illinois University vs. BGSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Bowling Green State University Main Campus in Bowling Green, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowling Green State University Main Campus is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (17,594 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Bowling Green State University Main Campus is in Bowling Green, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 17:1.

Western Illinois University vs. BGSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or BGSU? 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 Western Illinois University than BGSU ($14,208 vs. $24,283).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 22% lower than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus ($11,320 vs. $14,508).
• Western Illinois University is 5.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than BGSU (about $804 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $14,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.1% higher at BGSU than at Western Illinois University (about $7,184 more per year; $22,448.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowling Green State University Main Campus than at Western Illinois University (96% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 61.1% larger than aid received by Bowling Green State University Main Campus students ($14,994 vs. $9,310).

Western Illinois University vs. BGSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (1110) is 120 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming BGSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); BGSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: BGSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BGSU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• BGSU has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 20.6% at BGSU.

Western Illinois University vs. BGSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and BGSU? 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).

• Bowling Green State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than BGSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $1,296 lower median loan debt than BGSU graduates ($24,704 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BGSU graduates ($255 vs. $268).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BGSU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 53%)

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.