At a Glance
Western Illinois University is a mid-size public university in Macomb, IL. Approximately 4,410 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 71% acceptance rate. Greek life is active on campus. The school competes in NCAA Division I athletics. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 47/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Location
Macomb, IL
Campus Identity
Western Illinois University is a mid-size public university in Macomb, IL. Approximately 4,410 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 71% acceptance rate. Greek life is active on campus. The school competes in NCAA Division I athletics. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 47/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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Campus Lifestyle
Western Illinois University is a 5,000–9,999, small-town school with NCAA D1 athletics and a strong greek life Greek scene. The campus is 63 miles from Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park.
Athletics
NCAA D1
OVC
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Town setting
Weather
Cold Climate
44°F avg school-year
Greek Life at Western Illinois University
At Western Illinois University, 23% of men are in a fraternity and 14% of women are in a sorority. That is a substantial Greek presence: large enough to shape the social scene without being the only way into it. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.
23%
Men in fraternities
14%
Women in sororities
Strong Greek Life
Greek life scale
Nearby Ski Resorts
Western Illinois University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park, 63 miles away with 6 lifts and 28 skiable acres. All are within 134 miles of campus.
Illinois
Illinois
Missouri
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Macomb, IL
Macomb has a cool climate, with winters averaging 24°F in Jan and summers peaking around 75°F in Jul.
Station: PRAIRIE CITY 2 S · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Western Illinois University in IL earns a composite safety score of 47/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $15,264 | $15,264 |
| Fees | $4,431 | $4,431 |
| Room & Board | $11,320 | $11,320 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $31,015 | $31,015 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
124 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Western Illinois University located?
Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL. The main campus address is 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Western Illinois University?
Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%, making it moderately selective. Out of 8,674 applicants, 6,174 were admitted in the most recent year. 4,410 enrolled.
How many students attend Western Illinois University?
Western Illinois University enrolls 4,410 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend Western Illinois University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Western Illinois University charges $15,264/year for in-state students and $15,264/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($11,320/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $13,669/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,937/year — what students actually pay. Use Western Illinois University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Western Illinois University?
The undergraduate application fee at Western Illinois University is $30. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Is Western Illinois University a Division I (D1) school?
Yes. Western Illinois University is an NCAA Division I school, part of the OVC. Division I is the top tier of NCAA athletics, home to the largest programs, athletic scholarships, and nationally televised games.
What percentage of students at Western Illinois University are in Greek life?
At Western Illinois University, 23% of men are in a fraternity and 14% of women are in a sorority. That is a substantial Greek presence: large enough to shape the social scene without being the only route into it. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.
Is Western Illinois University the right fit for me?
Whether Western Illinois University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (71% admit rate), avg net price ($12,937/year after aid), campus culture in Macomb, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Western Illinois University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Western Illinois University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Macomb, IL
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- OVC
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 44°F avg
- App Fee
- $30
- On Campus Safety Score
- 47/100
- Nearest Airport
- Burlington, IA (BRL) · 32 mialso UIN (45 mi), PIA (54 mi)