Western Illinois University vs. IU East

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Indiana University East in Richmond, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Illinois University is larger than IU East based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 3,203 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Indiana University East is in Richmond, IN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Indiana University East is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Indiana University East 15:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University East are 3.1% lower than at Western Illinois University ($10,972 vs. $11,320).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.4% higher at IU East than at Western Illinois University (about $7,547 more per year; $22,811 vs. $15,264).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Indiana University East than at Western Illinois University (83% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 85.2% larger than aid received by Indiana University East students ($14,994 vs. $8,096).

Admissions details

• Incoming Western Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 21) as students at IU East (21).
• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Western Illinois University, test optional at IU East.
• Typical fall application deadline: IU East Aug 18, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Western Illinois University average a 3.45 high school GPA, 0.04 higher than at IU East (3.41).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 29.2% at IU East.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University East graduates have a $4,204 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, IU East graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($211 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU East students, three years after graduation (61% vs. 40%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.