Chicago State University vs Western Illinois University
Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, IL. Chicago State University admits about 43% of applicants and Western Illinois University about 71%, making Chicago State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,335 a year at Chicago State University after aid, and about $12,937 at Western Illinois University. About 45% of students graduate at Western Illinois University, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Illinois University alumni earn a median of about $54,163, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Macomb, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,384
4,410
Acceptance rate
43%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.9
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
750–963
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,335
$12,937
Full cost / yr
$29,764
$28,254
In-state tuition
$12,754
$15,264
Out-of-state tuition
$12,754
$15,264
Application fee
Not reported
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,073
$6,941
$30k - $48k
$9,550
$8,787
$48k - $75k
$11,334
$12,062
$75k - $110k
$13,899
$16,294
Over $110k
$28,427
$19,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
16%
45%
Freshman retention
57%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,805
$43,057
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,778
$54,163
Median debt at graduation
$30,625
$25,251
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
28%
First-generation students
42%
38%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Chicago State University or Western Illinois University harder to get into?
- Chicago State University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 71% at Western Illinois University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or Western Illinois University?
- Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,937 at Western Illinois University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Chicago State University and Western Illinois University?
- Before aid, Western Illinois University costs about $28,254 a year and Chicago State University about $29,764. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Chicago State University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,941 there, against about $9,073 at Chicago State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Chicago State University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,410 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
- Does Chicago State University or Western Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Illinois University has the higher graduation rate, at about 45% against 16% at Chicago State University.
- Do graduates of Chicago State University or Western Illinois University earn more?
- Western Illinois University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,163 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,778 for Chicago State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Chicago State University and Western Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Chicago State University and Western Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–963 at Chicago State University and 880–1090 at Western Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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