Western Illinois University vs. Southeast Missouri State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Southeast Missouri State University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (9,501 students vs. 6,332 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Southeast Missouri State University is in Cape Girardeau, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southeast Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Southeast Missouri State University 20:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 7.2% lower than at Southeast Missouri State University ($11,320 vs. $12,198).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.1% higher at Western Illinois University than at Southeast Missouri State University (about $5,361 more per year; $15,264 vs. $9,903).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southeast Missouri State University than at Western Illinois University (94% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 76.2% larger than aid received by Southeast Missouri State University students ($14,994 vs. $8,512).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 3 points higher at Western Illinois University than at Southeast Missouri State University (21 vs. 18, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Western Illinois University, test optional at Southeast Missouri State University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southeast Missouri State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Southeast Missouri State University average a 3.53 high school GPA, 0.08 higher than at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 17.9% at Southeast Missouri State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have a $2,177 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($22,527 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($232 vs. $255).
• More Southeast Missouri State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Illinois University students, three years after graduation (63% vs. 61%).

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