Skip to main content

Western Carolina University vs Western Illinois University

6

Western Carolina University

1

Western Illinois University

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric Western Carolina University Western Illinois University Winner
Acceptance Rate 87% 75% Western Illinois University
Graduation Rate 60% 46% Western Carolina University
Avg Earnings (5yr) $43,085 $43,057 Western Carolina University
Median Debt $21,868 $25,251 Western Carolina University
Tuition (In-State) $4,532 $14,952 Western Carolina University
Retention Rate 76% 59% Western Carolina University
Financial Aid 44% 31% Western Carolina University

Comparison Analysis

Western Carolina University and Western Illinois University have similar graduate earnings. Western Carolina University graduates earn $43,085, while Western Illinois University graduates earn $43,057. Western Carolina University has a significantly higher graduation rate at 59.8% compared to Western Illinois University's 46.2%. Western Carolina University also has a higher acceptance rate of 86.7% compared to Western Illinois University's 75%.

Western Carolina University has a much lower tuition cost of $4,532 compared to Western Illinois University's $14,952. Therefore, Western Carolina University offers a better value proposition due to its lower tuition and higher graduation rate, despite similar earnings.

Decision factors for prospective students should include the significant difference in tuition costs. Students should also consider the higher graduation rate at Western Carolina University.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major Western Carolina University Earnings Western Illinois University Earnings Difference
Criminal Justice and Corrections $38,682 $40,898 6% favor Western Illinois University
Business Administration, Management and Operations $39,513 $45,137 14% favor Western Illinois University
Psychology, General $27,505 $30,471 11% favor Western Illinois University
Business Administration, Management and Operations $39,513 $63,284 60% favor Western Illinois University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $68,774 $74,490 8% favor Western Illinois University
Business Administration, Management and Operations $39,513 $0
Criminal Justice and Corrections $38,682 $49,381 28% favor Western Illinois University
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $0 $38,196
Biology, General $28,381 $34,052 20% favor Western Illinois University
Psychology, General $27,505 $0

Quick Facts

Type Public
Location Cullowhee, NC
Setting Town
Students 9,867
Type Public
Location Macomb, IL
Setting Town
Students 4,939

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Western Carolina University has median earnings of $43,085 and tuition of $4,532. Western Illinois University has median earnings of $43,057 and tuition of $14,952. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

Explore Further