Western Illinois University vs. Fayetteville State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fayetteville State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (7,107 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Fayetteville State University is in Fayetteville, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fayetteville State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Fayetteville State University 20:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Fayetteville State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Fayetteville State University? 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 Fayetteville State University than Western Illinois University ($7,811 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 1.1% lower than at Fayetteville State University ($11,320 vs. $11,449).
• Western Illinois University is 250.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fayetteville State University (about $10,911 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $4,353.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.7% higher at Western Illinois University than at Fayetteville State University (about $6,911 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $8,353.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fayetteville State University than at Western Illinois University (90% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 70.8% larger than aid received by Fayetteville State University students ($14,994 vs. $8,777).

Western Illinois University vs. Fayetteville State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is the same as at Fayetteville State University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Fayetteville State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Fayetteville State University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Fayetteville State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Fayetteville State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fayetteville State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Fayetteville State University (3.11).
• Fayetteville State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 14.8% at Fayetteville State University.

Western Illinois University vs. Fayetteville State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Fayetteville State University? 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 Fayetteville State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than Fayetteville State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $32,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fayetteville State University graduates have a $2,543 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,161 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Fayetteville State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($229 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fayetteville State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 28%)

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.