At $11,592/yr net price, Western Illinois University graduates earn $54,163/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,163/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,592 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,163/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,163/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,251 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,968/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,391/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,608/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,515/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,621/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $81,702 | $36,730 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $71,643 | $36,796 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $64,990 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,166 | $21,230 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $60,771 | $30,059 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,334 | $20,559 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $55,338 | |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $24,656 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $52,107 |
The Risk Factor
44.8% of students at Western Illinois University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Western Illinois University offers mediocre financial returns with significant completion risks that undermine its low sticker price. While the $11,592 annual net price looks attractive, the 44.80% graduation rate means more than half of students never finish their degrees.
Educational Administration and Criminal Justice graduates earn strong salaries above $70,000, making these programs worthwhile investments despite higher debt loads. Business Administration delivers solid returns with relatively low debt at $21,230. Engineering programs also perform well, though General Engineering carries no debt data and Engineering Technology saddles graduates with $30,059 in loans for $60,771 earnings.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its poor retention rate of 58.73%. If you struggle academically or lack strong motivation, you face high odds of dropping out with debt but no degree. The rural Macomb location limits local internship and job opportunities, making career services and alumni networks critical for finding employment.
Western Illinois works financially for cost-conscious students pursuing education, criminal justice, or business who can handle the academic demands and complete their degrees. The low net price makes it accessible for families seeking affordable public education. However, students seeking prestige, extensive career support, or guaranteed graduation should look elsewhere.
With only 28.12% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing one of the higher-earning majors and utilizing all available academic support to ensure graduation. The school's value proposition depends entirely on finishing your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Illinois University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Western Illinois University offers below-average returns with graduates earning $54,163 ten years after enrollment, which is low for a four-year degree. The low net price of $11,592 helps offset this, but the 44.8% graduation rate means many students leave without finishing their degree.
Which programs at Western Illinois University have the best job prospects?
Educational Administration graduates from Western Illinois University earn the highest salaries at $81,702, followed by Criminal Justice at $71,643. Most other programs fall well below national averages for college graduates.
How much debt do Western Illinois University students graduate with?
Western Illinois University graduates carry a median debt of $25,251, which is manageable given the relatively low cost of attendance. However, the low post-graduation earnings mean debt payments will represent a larger portion of income than at higher-earning schools.
What are the biggest financial risks of attending Western Illinois University?
The main risk is the 44.8% graduation rate, meaning over half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. Those who do graduate face below-average earning potential in most fields.