Knox College vs Western Illinois University
Knox College is a private college in Galesburg, IL. Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, IL. Both admit about 71% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $12,937 a year at Western Illinois University after aid, and about $24,595 at Knox College. About 68% of students graduate at Knox College, compared with 45% at Western Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Knox College alumni earn a median of about $54,820, against $54,163 for Western Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Galesburg, IL
Macomb, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,127
4,410
Acceptance rate
71%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1440
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
21–32
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,595
$12,937
Full cost / yr
$68,134
$28,254
In-state tuition
$57,903
$15,264
Out-of-state tuition
$57,903
$15,264
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,134
$6,941
$30k - $48k
$17,363
$8,787
$48k - $75k
$23,844
$12,062
$75k - $110k
$25,402
$16,294
Over $110k
$31,983
$19,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
45%
Freshman retention
83%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,757
$43,057
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,820
$54,163
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$25,251
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
28%
First-generation students
28%
38%
International students
27%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Apr 1
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 Knox College or Western Illinois University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 71% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Knox College or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,937 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,595 at Knox College. 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 Knox College and Western Illinois University?
- Before aid, Western Illinois University costs about $28,254 a year and Knox College about $68,134. 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, Knox College or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,941 there, against about $17,134 at Knox College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Knox College or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,410 undergraduates against 1,127 at Knox College.
- Does Knox College or Western Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- Knox College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 45% at Western Illinois University.
- Do graduates of Knox College or Western Illinois University earn more?
- Knox College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,820 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,163 for Western Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Knox College and Western Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Knox College 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 Knox College and Western Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1440 at Knox College and 880–1090 at Western Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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