Western Illinois University

6/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Macomb, IL
4.0 1 review

#8 Best Public Universities in Illinois

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

6,332

Location Macomb, Illinois
Website wiu.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Remote Town

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Western Illinois University, established in 1899, is located in the rural community of Macomb, Illinois, approximately 75 miles southwest of Peoria. The 1,000-acre main campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including several limestone structures dating to the early 20th century. As a public institution serving west-central Illinois, WIU maintains moderately selective admission standards and offers undergraduate and graduate programs across four academic colleges, with notable strengths in law enforcement, agriculture, education, and broadcasting. The university provides traditional residence halls and apartment-style housing for students, while its athletic program competes at the NCAA Division I level as the Leathernecks, particularly known for its football program within the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

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Ratings

Western Illinois University is rated within the top 50% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

Overall Rating

6 out of 10
Academics

4 out of 10
Resources

7 out of 10
Outcomes

5 out of 10
Value

6 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Western Illinois University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy

GPA 3.45

Acceptance Rate

71.2%

Applications Due -
Enrollment Rate 10.3%
Application Fee $30

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$15,264

Costs for Western Illinois University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$15,264
Books and Supplies		$1,200
Other Fees		$5,169
Room and Board		$11,320
Budget for Other Expenses		$1,772
Total One Year Cost		$34,725

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$46,000 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

53% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Western Illinois University are Business, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. 16% of students major in Business, 14% in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and 12% in Liberal Arts and Humanities.