North Park University vs Western Illinois University
North Park University is a private university in Chicago, IL. Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, IL. North Park University admits about 69% of applicants and Western Illinois University about 71%, making North Park University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,937 a year at Western Illinois University after aid, and about $16,948 at North Park University. About 57% of students graduate at North Park University, compared with 45% at Western Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, North Park University alumni earn a median of about $59,572, against $54,163 for Western Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Macomb, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,818
4,410
Acceptance rate
69%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1162
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
19–23
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,948
$12,937
Full cost / yr
$44,172
$28,254
In-state tuition
$36,710
$15,264
Out-of-state tuition
$36,710
$15,264
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,845
$6,941
$30k - $48k
$14,843
$8,787
$48k - $75k
$16,067
$12,062
$75k - $110k
$19,208
$16,294
Over $110k
$22,964
$19,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
45%
Freshman retention
62%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,326
$43,057
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,572
$54,163
Median debt at graduation
$25,500
$25,251
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
28%
First-generation students
37%
38%
International students
12%
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 North Park University or Western Illinois University harder to get into?
- North Park University is harder to get into. It admits about 69% 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, North Park 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 $16,948 at North Park 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 North Park University and Western Illinois University?
- Before aid, Western Illinois University costs about $28,254 a year and North Park University about $44,172. 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, North Park University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,941 there, against about $14,845 at North Park University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, North Park University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,410 undergraduates against 1,818 at North Park University.
- Does North Park University or Western Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- North Park University has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 45% at Western Illinois University.
- Do graduates of North Park University or Western Illinois University earn more?
- North Park University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,572 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,163 for Western Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do North Park University and Western Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- North Park 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 North Park University and Western Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1162 at North Park University and 880–1090 at Western Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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