Elmhurst University vs Western Illinois University
Elmhurst University is a private university in Elmhurst, IL, and Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, IL. Western Illinois University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 71% of applicants against 74% at Elmhurst University. Western Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,937 a year against $24,185 at Elmhurst University. About 68% of students graduate at Elmhurst University, compared with 45% at Western Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Elmhurst University alumni earn a median of about $61,462, against $54,163 for Western Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Elmhurst, IL
Macomb, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,006
4,410
Acceptance rate
74%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.42–3.92
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1260
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,185
$12,937
Full cost / yr
$54,679
$28,254
In-state tuition
$42,955
$15,264
Out-of-state tuition
$42,955
$15,264
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,892
$6,941
$30k - $48k
$18,377
$8,787
$48k - $75k
$23,098
$12,062
$75k - $110k
$25,419
$16,294
Over $110k
$30,232
$19,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
45%
Freshman retention
80%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,803
$43,057
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,462
$54,163
Median debt at graduation
$20,489
$25,251
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
28%
First-generation students
35%
38%
International students
4%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
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 Elmhurst University or Western Illinois University harder to get into?
- Western Illinois University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 74% at Elmhurst 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, Elmhurst University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,937 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,185 at Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University and Western Illinois University?
- Before aid, Western Illinois University costs about $28,254 a year and Elmhurst University about $54,679. 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, Elmhurst University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,941 there, against about $17,892 at Elmhurst University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Elmhurst University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,410 undergraduates against 3,006 at Elmhurst University.
- Does Elmhurst University or Western Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- Elmhurst University has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 45% at Western Illinois University.
- Do graduates of Elmhurst University or Western Illinois University earn more?
- Elmhurst University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,462 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,163 for Western Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Elmhurst University and Western Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University and Western Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1260 at Elmhurst University and 880–1090 at Western Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Elmhurst University vs Illinois Wesleyan UniversityElmhurst University vs Chicago State UniversityElmhurst University vs Governors State UniversityWestern Illinois University vs Illinois Wesleyan UniversityWestern Illinois University vs Chicago State UniversityWestern Illinois University vs Governors State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school