Public Institution

Western Illinois University — Macomb, Illinois

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Annual Tuition $14,952

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 75%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 4,939

Active Students

Avg. Salary $54,163

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Macomb, Illinois
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Western Illinois University stands as a pillar of higher education in Macomb, providing a robust academic foundation for 4,939 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Western Illinois University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Western Illinois University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Security & Law Enforcement
19.4%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
12.8%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
10.9%

Enrollment Share

Agriculture
7.2%

Enrollment Share

Education
5.2%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
5.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Agriculture College

The Agriculture program at Western Illinois University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Western Illinois University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 75%
Difficulty Low

Western Illinois University maintains an acceptance rate of 75%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 41.2%
Women Enrollment 58.8%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Western Illinois University follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for Western Illinois University.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Western Illinois University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $14,952
Out-of-State Tuition $14,952

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 28.1%
Median Student Debt $25,251

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $14,952, graduates see a median starting salary of $54,163, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Illinois.

What salary can Western Illinois University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $54,163

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 44.8%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $11,592
Median Salary (6yr) $43,057
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Western Illinois University in Macomb?

4,939 Students

Gender Comparison

41.2% Men
58.8% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

58.7%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
1.3%
Black
20.9%
White
56.1%
Unknown
1.7%
Hispanic
12.5%
Two or More Races
3.2%
International
3.9%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 37.7%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 68.4%
🎖️
Veterans 0.4%
💍
Married Students 4.4%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 18.2%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $67,698
Average Family Income $52,192
Median Family Income $36,222

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

54.5%
45.5%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Macomb Campus Environment

Located at 1 University Circle, Western Illinois University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Illinois. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Western Illinois University

Is Western Illinois University a good college in Macomb, Illinois?
Western Illinois University is a recognized institution in Macomb with an enrollment of 4,939 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Illinois.
Is Western Illinois University worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $54,163 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does Western Illinois University cost for Illinois residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Western Illinois University is approximately $14,952. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $14,952. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Western Illinois University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Western Illinois University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 68.4% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Western Illinois University good for Security & Law Enforcement and Business & Marketing programs?
Western Illinois University reports program activity in Security & Law Enforcement and Business & Marketing. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending Western Illinois University?
Graduates of Western Illinois University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Security & Law Enforcement. With a median salary of $54,163, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Western Illinois University?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Western Illinois University's official admissions website.
Does Western Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Western Illinois University's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can Western Illinois University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Western Illinois University earn a median salary of $54,163 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Western Illinois University a good investment compared to other IL colleges?
Compare Western Illinois University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Illinois to judge value for your goals.
Where is Western Illinois University located and what is the campus like?
Western Illinois University is located at 1 University Circle in Macomb, IL. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 4,939 learners.
Who typically attends Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL?
The student body at Western Illinois University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 37.7% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Illinois

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Western Illinois University with other leading institutions in Illinois across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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