Western Illinois University delivers $11,979 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 88th percentile nationally for value-added performance. This well above average outcome demonstrates the institution's effectiveness in enhancing graduate earning potential while maintaining accessible admission standards for diverse student populations seeking economic advancement.
Solid long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Controlled costs and manageable debt levels relative to outcomes
Moderate enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students combined with reasonable admission standards
Showing the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisWestern Illinois University combines accessible admission with strong value-added performance for graduates. Students earn $11,979 beyond expectations compared to similar demographic backgrounds, placing the institution at the 88th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
This well above average performance indicates effective educational programming that translates into meaningful economic outcomes. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years after enrollment, with graduates earning $4,047 more than the peer median of $50,116.
Students seeking strong earnings outcomes relative to expectations at a public institution with moderate selectivity. Well-suited for first-generation students (37.7%) and those pursuing specialized programs like corrections administration, agriculture, or business with manageable debt levels.
Western Illinois University admits approximately 75% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This moderately selective admission rate provides reasonable access while maintaining academic standards.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates Western Illinois is somewhat more selective than typical institutions in its category, accepting 9.6 percentage points fewer applicants than peer institutions. This level of selectivity suggests the university can be reasonably accessible for students with solid academic preparation while still maintaining quality standards.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Western Illinois University publishes a cost of attendance of $27,828 per year, including $14,952 in tuition, $10,920 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $11,592 after financial aid, representing savings of $16,236 through institutional and federal aid programs.
This net price places Western Illinois $2,501 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating moderately higher costs than similar institutions. The university offers the same tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students at $14,952, eliminating the typical residency premium found at most public institutions.
Net costs vary significantly by family income, ranging from $6,968 for families earning under $30,000 to $17,621 for families earning over $110,000. This $10,653 spread between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates progressive financial aid targeting that makes the university more accessible to lower-income families.
The financial aid system effectively reduces the published sticker price by more than half for most students, though costs remain above peer medians across income levels. Students should expect meaningful financial aid that substantially reduces published prices while recognizing that net costs may still exceed some comparable institutions.
Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
23 graduates
Construction Management, General.
19 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
26 graduates
Applied Engineering.
10 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
39 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tennessee State University Similar quality tier (#401 ranked) | TN | 93% | $42,730 | #401 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Western Illinois University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/western-illinois-university/analysis.
Strong earnings beyond expectations
Western Illinois University ranks #408 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, placing it at the 75th percentile with above-average performance across key metrics. Located in Macomb, Illinois, this medium-sized public institution maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 75% acceptance rate while delivering outcomes that exceed expectations for similar student populations.
Western Illinois enrolls 28.1% Pell-eligible students and 37.7% first-generation students, reflecting solid access for diverse backgrounds. Graduates earn $11,979 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 88th percentile nationally on this measure.
Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the national average while outperforming peer institutions by $4,047 annually. The university demonstrates balanced performance across all four institutional pillars, with particular strength in delivering value-added outcomes that support economic mobility for its student population.
For most well-prepared students, Western Illinois represents a realistic admission target rather than a reach school. Students should expect the university to review applications holistically, though specific GPA and test score requirements are not publicly detailed.
The admission rate indicates space for students across a range of academic profiles, making it suitable for inclusion in balanced college lists as a target or safety school. Students applying should focus on demonstrating fit with the university's programs, particularly in areas where Western Illinois shows strength like corrections administration, agriculture, and business programs.
The moderate selectivity allows for individual circumstances and growth potential to factor into admission decisions beyond pure statistical measures.
Western Illinois University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $43,057 six years after enrollment to $48,456 at eight years and $54,163 at ten years, representing 25.8% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from substantial cohorts, with 4,323 graduates included in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing high confidence in reported figures. The institution generates $11,979 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 88th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
This well above average ranking indicates Western Illinois effectively enhances student outcomes relative to incoming demographics and program mix. Low-income graduates earn $42,600, demonstrating the university's ability to support economic advancement for students from diverse financial backgrounds.
Earnings vary significantly by program, with Applied Engineering Technologies graduates earning $72,904 and Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $67,859, while education and liberal arts programs produce more modest but stable outcomes. Approximately 21.2% of graduates continue to graduate school, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced study.
Western Illinois University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Corrections Administration stands out as the institution's flagship program, ranking #5 nationally and #2 in Illinois, graduating 291 students annually with median earnings of $57,113 and an exceptional value score of 97.9.
Applied Engineering Technologies ranks #13 nationally and #2 in Illinois, producing 23 graduates with the highest median earnings of $72,904. Agriculture, General ranks #6 nationally and #2 in Illinois, graduating 94 students with median earnings of $49,139 and a strong value score of 80.8.
Adult Health Nursing graduates 26 students annually with median earnings of $67,859, while General Studies enrolls 169 students with median earnings of $42,666 and ranks #4 in Illinois. The institution demonstrates particular strength in specialized professional programs, with several achieving top-10 national rankings while maintaining substantial enrollment numbers that provide broad student access to high-performing academic pathways.
Mcneese State University Similar quality tier (#400 ranked) | LA | 68% | $46,453 | #400 | Compare |
University Of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Similar quality tier in Midwest (#405 ranked) | WI | 90% | $52,021 | #405 | Compare |
University Of Michigan-Flint Similar quality tier in Midwest (#409 ranked) | MI | 69% | $53,230 | #409 | Compare |
University Of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Similar quality tier in Midwest (#397 ranked) | WI | 76% | $58,561 | #397 | Compare |
