Western Illinois University Admissions

ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid, Tuition, Graduation Rate & More

Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University. Robert Lawton / Wikimedia Commons
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated August 18, 2017

Western Illinois University Description:

Western Illinois University is a public university located in Macomb with a second campus in Moline, Illinois. Macomb is about an hour and a half west of Peoria, with a population of about 20,000. Students come from 38 states and 65 countries. Undergraduates can choose from 66 majors, and fields in education, business, communication, and criminal justice are among the most popular.

The university has a 16 to 1 student / faculty ratio, and over three-quarters of all classes have fewer than 30 students. Western Illinois has over 250 student organizations including 21 fraternities and 9 sororities. Students can join recreational athletics, performing arts ensembles, academic honor societies, and participate in cultural events around campus. On the athletic front, the Western Illinois Leathernecks compete in the NCAA Division I Summit League. Football competes in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The university fields eight men's and eight women's Division I sports. Popular choices include football, basketball, track and field, and soccer.

Admissions Data (2016):

    Enrollment (2016):

    • Total Enrollment: 10,373 (8,543 undergraduates)
    • Gender Breakdown: 49% Male / 51% Female
    • 88% Full-time

    Costs (2016 - 17):

    • Tuition and Fees: $12,655 (in-state); $16,926 (out-of-state)
    • Books: $900 (why so much?)
    • Room and Board: $9,580
    • Other Expenses: $1,910
    • Total Cost: $25,045 (in-state); $29,316 (out-of-state)

      Western Illinois University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

      • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 87%
      • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
        • Grants: 77%
        • Loans: 70%
      • Average Amount of Aid
        • Grants: $8,809
        • Loans: $7,584

      Academic Programs:

      • Most Popular Majors: Agriculture, Biology, Business Administration, Communication, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, General Studies, Psychology, Recreation and Park Administration

      Transfer, Retention and Graduation Rates:

      • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 69%
      • Transfer Out Rate: 34%
      • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 31%
      • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 53%

      Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

      • Men's Sports: Football, Swimming, Track and Field, Baseball, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball
      • Women's Sports: Basketball, Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Golf

      Data Source:

      National Center for Educational Statistics

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      Western Illinois University Mission Statement:

      mission statement from http://www.wiu.edu/qc/community/

      "Western Illinois University, a community of individuals dedicated to learning, will have a profound and positive impact on our changing world through the unique interaction of instruction, research, and public service as we educate and prepare a diverse student population to thrive in and contribute to our global society."