PublicTownWestern Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois 61455
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Western Illinois University is a public town institution in Macomb, Illinois. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A mid-sized campus of 4.9K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
45% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $54,163 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $11,592.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Western Illinois University was founded on April 24, 1899.
- •University administrators uncovered evidence of the Freemasons' efforts on Macomb's behalf when they opened Sherman Hall's (the administration building) cornerstone during centennial celebrations.
- •Classes first began on campus on September 23, 1902 with 229 students enrolled.
- •In Fall 1960, the university offered its first undergraduate course in the Quad Cities.
- •In 2016 and 2017, WIU saw a major downsizing and exodus of faculty and staff as a consequence of state budget cuts and declining undergraduate enrollment.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
69.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,762
Programs (124)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
59%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
32
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IL state average