Students at Western Illinois University earn significantly more than similar students at other institutions, with graduates seeing nearly $12,000 in earnings beyond expectations ten years after enrollment.
This earnings advantage, combined with exceptional affordability across all income levels, makes WIU a reliable choice for families seeking strong return on their educational investment.
Azimuth ranks Western Illinois University 46th percentile nationally among public four-year institutions, reflecting its strong balance of affordability and solid long-term outcomes. Located in Macomb, Illinois, WIU serves as a regional comprehensive university that consistently delivers value for students from diverse backgrounds. Nearly 28% of students receive Pell Grants and 38% are first-generation college students, yet the institution maintains graduation rates and earnings outcomes that exceed expectations for its student population.
What distinguishes Western Illinois is its ability to provide accessible education while still generating meaningful career advancement for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, alumni earn a median of $54,163, with the university delivering earnings beyond expectations that place it well above similar institutions nationwide. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs in corrections administration, applied engineering technologies, and general studies creates clear pathways to stable employment.
As a medium-sized public university, WIU offers the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the resources and program diversity students need for career success. The combination of below-average net prices for most income levels, manageable debt loads, and solid post-graduation earnings makes Western Illinois an attractive option for families seeking reliable return on their educational investment.
Western Illinois University's program portfolio reflects a practical, career-focused approach that prepares students for stable employment across diverse fields. Corrections Administration dominates the university's offerings with 291 graduates earning a median of $37,821, representing both the largest program and highest aggregate return. This concentration reflects Illinois's need for criminal justice professionals and WIU's established reputation in law enforcement education.
Applied Engineering Technologies delivers the strongest individual earnings outcomes at $60,771 for its 23 graduates, demonstrating the university's ability to prepare students for high-demand technical careers. General Studies serves as a flexible pathway for 169 students, with median earnings of $32,658 that reflect the diverse career paths this degree enables. Even Psychology, with 77 graduates earning $29,685, provides solid preparation for human services careers and graduate school preparation.
The university's strength lies in offering practical, employment-oriented programs that connect directly to regional job markets. Rather than competing in the most selective or highest-paying fields, WIU focuses on preparing students for stable, middle-class careers in corrections, education, applied technologies, and public service—fields that offer job security and steady career progression for graduates willing to serve their communities.
Western Illinois University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations given the institution's profile. Ten years after enrollment, alumni earn a median of $54,163, with the university delivering earnings beyond expectations of nearly $12,000 compared with similar students at other institutions. This substantial earnings advantage reflects WIU's focus on career-oriented programs and strong employer relationships that help graduates secure stable, well-paying positions across Illinois and the broader Midwest region.
The university's program portfolio demonstrates clear pathways to financial success across different fields. Corrections Administration stands out as both the highest aggregate-return program and largest graduate producer, with 291 graduates earning a median of $37,821 ten years out. Applied Engineering Technologies delivers the strongest individual earnings at $60,771 for its 23 graduates, while General Studies serves 169 students with median earnings of $32,658. Even Psychology, representing the lowest-earning major tracked, still produces graduates earning $29,685, demonstrating the university's commitment to supporting students across diverse academic interests.
The university's strength lies in preparing students for stable, middle-class careers rather than pursuing the highest-paying but most competitive fields. This approach creates consistent outcomes for graduates who value job security and steady career progression over maximum earning potential, making WIU particularly effective for first-generation students and those from working-class backgrounds seeking reliable economic mobility.
Western Illinois University delivers exceptional affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay just $6,968 annually in net price, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families face costs of $11,608 per year. Even high-income families pay only $17,621 annually, representing strong value compared with many peer institutions. This pricing structure reflects WIU's commitment to keeping higher education accessible while maintaining quality academic programs.
Debt levels remain manageable for most WIU graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $25,251 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $17,806. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by the institution's solid earnings outcomes and career preparation programs. The combination of reasonable borrowing levels and reliable post-graduation employment helps ensure that students can repay their educational investments without financial strain.
What makes WIU particularly sustainable financially is how well its graduates can service their debt given typical earnings. With median ten-year earnings of $54,163, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard repayment schedules while building their careers. The university's focus on practical, employment-oriented programs means graduates enter fields with stable hiring demand, reducing the risk of unemployment or underemployment that can make loan repayment challenging.
Western Illinois University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
