Lewis University vs Western Illinois University
Lewis University is a private university in Romeoville, IL, and Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, IL. Both admit about 71% of applicants. Western Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,937 a year against $17,028 at Lewis University. About 65% of students graduate at Lewis University, compared with 45% at Western Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Lewis University alumni earn a median of about $66,099, against $54,163 for Western Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Romeoville, IL
Macomb, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,015
4,410
Acceptance rate
71%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1210
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,028
$12,937
Full cost / yr
$47,313
$28,254
In-state tuition
$39,200
$15,264
Out-of-state tuition
$39,200
$15,264
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,382
$6,941
$30k - $48k
$11,712
$8,787
$48k - $75k
$12,178
$12,062
$75k - $110k
$19,908
$16,294
Over $110k
$25,035
$19,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
45%
Freshman retention
79%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,095
$43,057
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,099
$54,163
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$25,251
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
28%
First-generation students
39%
38%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 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 Lewis University 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, Lewis 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 $17,028 at Lewis 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 Lewis University and Western Illinois University?
- Before aid, Western Illinois University costs about $28,254 a year and Lewis University about $47,313. 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, Lewis University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,941 there, against about $10,382 at Lewis University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Lewis University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,410 undergraduates against 4,015 at Lewis University.
- Does Lewis University or Western Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- Lewis University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 45% at Western Illinois University.
- Do graduates of Lewis University or Western Illinois University earn more?
- Lewis University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,099 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,163 for Western Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Lewis University and Western Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Lewis 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 Lewis University and Western Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1210 at Lewis University and 880–1090 at Western Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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