About Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University has built its reputation around teacher education and serves 4,939 students in the small town of Macomb. The university's education programs have shaped countless Illinois classrooms since 1899. Ray Kroc, who founded McDonald's, graduated from here, along with NFL player Don Mosebar. This public full university operates in a town-remote setting where students get personal attention with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.
Students pay an average net price of $11,592 after financial aid, making this one of Illinois' more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $54,163 ten years after leaving, while carrying median debt of $25,251. The monthly loan payment of $268 represents a manageable burden given typical graduate earnings. Low-income families pay just $6,968 net price, while even high earners pay only $17,621.
The Leathernecks compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 13 sports with 343 total athletes. Nearly 91% of students come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 44.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face here. However, 96.5% of graduates find employment, suggesting strong regional connections for job placement.
Students pay an average net price of $11,592 after financial aid, making this one of Illinois' more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $54,163 ten years after leaving, while carrying median debt of $25,251. The monthly loan payment of $268 represents a manageable burden given typical graduate earnings. Low-income families pay just $6,968 net price, while even high earners pay only $17,621.
The Leathernecks compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 13 sports with 343 total athletes. Nearly 91% of students come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 44.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face here. However, 96.5% of graduates find employment, suggesting strong regional connections for job placement.
Academics & Faculty
Western Illinois University built its reputation on teacher education programs that have trained educators across the Midwest for over a century. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors in this full university setting. However, the 44.8% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face completing their degrees. WIU offers strong programs in education, criminal justice, and agriculture that align with rural Illinois needs. The university maintains NCAA Division I athletics while focusing on practical, career-oriented programs. Students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities, though retention struggles at 58.7% suggest the remote Macomb location and limited resources create obstacles for some students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 83.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.8%
- Retention Rate
- 58.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,163
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $81,702 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $71,643 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $64,990 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,166 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $60,771 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,334 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,318 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $55,338 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $52,941 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $52,107 |
Campus Life
The rural Illinois prairie stretches for miles around Western Illinois University's campus in Macomb, a town 80 miles from both Peoria and the Quad Cities. Pack a heavy winter coat because temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. About 62% of the university's 4,939 students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community where everyone knows each other by senior year.
The Leathernecks nickname comes from the university's strong ROTC tradition, and military connections run deep here. Students gather at Rocky's outdoor amphitheater for concerts and events when weather permits. With 90% of students from Illinois, the campus empties on weekends as many head home to Chicago suburbs or downstate towns. Those who stay find house parties, intramural sports, and Division I football games against Ohio Valley Conference rivals. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, not just your student ID number. Greek life provides social structure for those seeking it, while outdoor enthusiasts explore nearby hiking trails and fishing spots.
The Leathernecks nickname comes from the university's strong ROTC tradition, and military connections run deep here. Students gather at Rocky's outdoor amphitheater for concerts and events when weather permits. With 90% of students from Illinois, the campus empties on weekends as many head home to Chicago suburbs or downstate towns. Those who stay find house parties, intramural sports, and Division I football games against Ohio Valley Conference rivals. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, not just your student ID number. Greek life provides social structure for those seeking it, while outdoor enthusiasts explore nearby hiking trails and fishing spots.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 3,083 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1899
Campus Safety (2023)
63 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 13 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–32°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 21.3"
Student Demographics
Western Illinois draws mostly local students, with over 90% coming from within Illinois. The student body reflects the school's mission as an accessible public university, with 28% receiving Pell Grants. Women make up nearly 60% of enrollment, largely due to the university's well-known teacher education programs that traditionally attract more female students. The campus serves a diverse mix of students, with significant Black and Hispanic representation. This combination of affordability, strong education programs, and regional accessibility has made Western Illinois a destination for first-generation college students and future teachers throughout the Prairie State.
- Men
- 41.2%
- Women
- 58.8%
- White
- 56.1%
- Black
- 20.9%
- Hispanic
- 12.5%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 90.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.1%
Location
Macomb sits in western Illinois, about 75 miles southeast of the Quad Cities and 200 miles from Chicago. The town of 18,000 residents swells when Western Illinois University's 4,939 students arrive each fall. This agricultural region features rolling farmland and small communities scattered across McDonough County. The 1,050-acre campus dominates the local landscape in this classic college town setting. Remote but self-contained, Macomb offers the quintessential small-town university experience where students and faculty form tight-knit communities. The nearest major shopping and entertainment options require drives to Peoria or the Quad Cities. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Western Illinois University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Macomb, Illinois 61455
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,163
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,192
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $268/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,251
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Western Illinois University?
Western Illinois University accepts 75% of applicants, making it moderately accessible for students. The university draws primarily from Illinois, with 90.51% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Western Illinois University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $11,592, making Western Illinois one of the more affordable public universities in the state. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,968 on average, reflecting the school's commitment to accessibility.
What is Western Illinois University known for academically?
The university is well-known for its strong teacher education programs, which have been a cornerstone since its founding in 1899. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in their coursework.
What are the graduation rates at Western Illinois University?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 44.8%, while the four-year rate is 46.17%. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,163 ten years after graduation, demonstrating solid career outcomes despite the rural location.
Where is Western Illinois University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Macomb, a small town in rural Illinois, creating a tight-knit college community. With housing capacity for 3,083 students and a total enrollment of 4,939, about two-thirds of students can live on campus.
Does Western Illinois University have a notable athletics program?
The Leathernecks compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Ohio Valley Conference, fielding 13 varsity sports. The university awards $4,142,006 in athletic scholarships to support its 343 student-athletes.
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