Western Illinois University vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Lamar University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 6,332 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 7.6% lower than at Western Illinois University ($10,464 vs. $11,320).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at Lamar University than at Western Illinois University (about $3,481 more per year; $18,745 vs. $15,264).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Western Illinois University (91% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Lamar University students ($14,994 vs. $12,263).

Admissions details

• Incoming Western Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 21) as students at Lamar University (21).
• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Western Illinois University, test optional at Lamar University.
• Enrolled first-year students at Western Illinois University average a 3.45 high school GPA, 0.05 higher than at Lamar University (3.4).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $2,704 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($227 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation (61% vs. 42%).

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