Western Illinois University vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 6,332 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 15.8% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,320 vs. $13,450).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.3% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Western Illinois University (about $4,471 more per year; $19,735 vs. $15,264).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Western Illinois University (87% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 25% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($14,994 vs. $11,999).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 4 points higher at Western Illinois University than at North Carolina Central University (21 vs. 17, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Western Illinois University, test optional at North Carolina Central University.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Western Illinois University average a 3.45 high school GPA, 0.18 higher than at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $6,296 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University graduates ($255 vs. $320).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation (61% vs. 23%).

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