Western Illinois University vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Jackson State University in Jackson, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 6,326 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Jackson State University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Jackson State University 14:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 21.1% lower than at Jackson State University ($11,320 vs. $14,341).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.6% higher at Western Illinois University than at Jackson State University (about $3,299 more per year; $15,264 vs. $11,965).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Jackson State University than at Western Illinois University (89% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 78.8% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($14,994 vs. $8,386).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 4 points higher at Western Illinois University than at Jackson State University (21 vs. 17, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Western Illinois University, test optional at Jackson State University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Western Illinois University average a 3.45 high school GPA, 0.35 higher than at Jackson State University (3.1).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 6.6% at Jackson State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $4,296 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($24,704 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($255 vs. $299).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation (61% vs. 36%).

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