Western Illinois University delivers above-average return on educational investment, ranking at the 69th percentile nationally. Graduates earn $11,979 beyond expectations compared to similar students, placing the institution at the 88th percentile for value-added performance. Median earnings of $54,163 exceed the peer median of $50,116 by $4,047 annually, providing graduates with enhanced earning power relative to comparable institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 indicates manageable borrowing levels relative to post-graduation income, though median debt of $25,251 exceeds peer levels by $4,146. This combination of strong earnings performance and moderate debt levels supports positive long-term financial outcomes for graduates. The institution's well above average value-added performance demonstrates effective educational programming that enhances career prospects and earning potential beyond what would be expected based on student demographics and program mix. Return performance reflects the university's ability to generate meaningful economic returns for educational investment despite operating costs above peer medians.
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.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at Western Illinois University show meaningful variation across career paths and program choices. The gap between the 25th percentile ($37,122) and 75th percentile ($76,551) represents a 2.1:1 ratio, reflecting differences in field of study and post-graduation career trajectories. Applied Engineering Technologies leads with median earnings of $72,904, followed by Adult Health Nursing at $67,859 and Artificial Intelligence at $62,291. The flagship Corrections Administration program, enrolling 291 graduates annually, produces median earnings of $57,113 while ranking #5 nationally. Business Administration graduates earn $52,505, while liberal arts and education programs generate more modest returns in the $39,000-$43,000 range. Earnings growth remains steady across the early-to-mid career period, with the 25.8% increase from six to ten years indicating consistent advancement opportunities for graduates across programs.
Financial justification for the investment.
The earnings distribution from $37,122 at the 25th percentile to $76,551 at the 75th percentile creates a 2.1:1 ratio, indicating substantial variation in post-graduation outcomes based on program choice and career path. Low-income graduates earn $42,600, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This earnings spread reflects the diversity of career paths available through Western Illinois University's programs.
Approximately 21.2% of Western Illinois University graduates continue to graduate or professional school within six years of completing their bachelor's degree. This moderate continuation rate, based on program mix analysis with high confidence, indicates the university prepares students for both immediate workforce entry and advanced study pathways.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Western Illinois University's highest-earning programs demonstrate strong market positioning across diverse fields. Applied Engineering Technologies leads with $72,904 median earnings while ranking #13 nationally, followed by Adult Health Nursing at $67,859 and Artificial Intelligence at $62,291. The flagship Corrections Administration program, graduating 291 students annually, produces median earnings of $57,113 while achieving #5 national ranking and exceptional value scores. Business programs range from Accounting Technology at $60,157 to Business Administration at $52,505, providing diverse pathways within the field. Agriculture, General delivers solid $49,139 earnings with top-10 national ranking, while specialized programs like Exercise Science generate $52,779 for graduates. This program diversity supports the institution's overall return performance by offering multiple pathways to strong economic outcomes across different career interests and aptitudes. The combination of high-performing specialized programs with substantial enrollment in the corrections field drives the university's strong value-added earnings performance.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Upper quartile, 10-year field
The earnings distribution from $37,122 at the 25th percentile to $76,551 at the 75th percentile creates a 2.1:1 ratio, indicating substantial variation in post-graduation outcomes based on program choice and career path. Low-income graduates earn $42,600, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This earnings spread reflects the diversity of career paths available through Western Illinois University's programs.
