Western Illinois University vs. Eastern

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Eastern Kentucky University is in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Eastern Kentucky University 17:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Eastern Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Eastern? 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 Eastern Kentucky University than Western Illinois University ($12,279 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 7.7% lower than at Eastern Kentucky University ($11,320 vs. $12,268).
• Western Illinois University is 47.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern (about $4,944 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $10,320.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.1% higher at Eastern than at Western Illinois University (about $5,966 more per year; $21,230.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University than at Western Illinois University (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 30.7% larger than aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students ($14,994 vs. $11,468).

Western Illinois University vs. Eastern Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 10 points higher than at Eastern (980).
• Incoming Eastern 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; Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Eastern Kentucky University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Eastern - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Eastern (3.39).
• Eastern has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 19.9% at Eastern.

Western Illinois University vs. Eastern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Eastern? 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 Eastern Kentucky University's (38%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Eastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Kentucky University graduates have a $1,009 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($23,695 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Eastern graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($245 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 49%)

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.