Western Illinois University vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Francis Marion University in Florence, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

Western Illinois University vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or Francis Marion 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 Francis Marion University than Western Illinois University ($11,727 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 16.7% lower than at Western Illinois University ($9,432 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 36.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $4,104 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.1% higher at Francis Marion University than at Western Illinois University (about $6,280 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Western Illinois University (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 25.1% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($14,994 vs. $11,988).

Western Illinois University vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or Francis Marion 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 Francis Marion University and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is the same as at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Francis Marion University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Western Illinois University vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and Francis Marion 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 Francis Marion University's (42%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $6,296 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($24,704 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($255 vs. $320).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 42%)

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.