Western Illinois University is a public university with a main campus in Macomb, Illinois, U.S. It was ranked 57th by US News among the top universities across the Midwest in 2025. The university offers 64 undergraduate degree programs, 38 graduate programs, 2 doctoral programs, and 9 pre-professional degree programs across three intakes: spring, summer, and fall. Some popular programs include M.B.A., M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Engineering Technology, M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology, and M.S. in Chemistry. WIU has an acceptance rate of 75%. The selection at Western Illinois University is determined by multiple factors, including the English language skills for non-native speakers. A TOEFL score of at least 73 and an IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 are accepted by the university for admission to both undergraduate and graduate programs. Besides, the academic eligibility criterion is scoring a GPA of 2.75 or above for both undergraduate and graduate programs at WIU. Recruiters such as Google, Disney, KPMG, Walmart Corporate, Deloitte, and the FBI form part of the recruitment process at Western Illinois University United States.
Table of Contents
- Western Illinois University Highlights
- Western Illinois University Courses and Fees
- Western Illinois University Admission
- Western Illinois University Application Deadline
- Western Illinois University Scholarships
- Western Illinois University Placement
- Western Illinois University Campus and Infrastructure
- FAQ
Western Illinois University Highlights
Given below are the highlights for Western Illinois University United States.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment Year | 1899 |
| Location | Macomb, Illinois, United States |
| Type of University | Public |
| Ranking US News 2025 | #57 (Regional Universities, Mid-West) |
| Acceptance Rate | 75% |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Popular Programs | M.B.A., M.S. Computer Science, M.S. Engineering Technology, M.S. Instructional Design and Technology, M.S. Chemistry |
| Campus | 2 |
| Contact | (309) 762-9481 |
| Address | 1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455, United States |
| Official Website | wiu.edu |
Western Illinois University Courses and Fees
Western Illinois University offers multiple undergraduate and graduate programs, as mentioned in the Western Illinois University courses and fees table below.
| Courses | Duration | Annual Fees (USD) | Annual Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.B.A | 2 years | 12,647 | 10.8 lakh |
| M.S. Computer Science | 2 years | 13,230 | 11.3 lakh |
| B. A. Applied Music | 4 years | 36,600 | 31.3 lakh |
| M.S. Engineering Technology | 2 years | 41,000 | 35 lakh |
| M.A. Communication | 2 years | 41,000 | 35 lakh |
| B.S. Clinical Laboratory Science | 4 years | 36,600 | 31.3 lakh |
| B.S. Biochemistry | 4 years | 36,600 | 31.3 lakh |
| M.S.Chemistry | 2 years | 41,000 | 35 lakh |
| M.S. Instructional Design and Technology | 2 years | 41,000 | 35 lakh |
| B.S. Agriculture | 4 years | 36,600 | 31.3 lakh |
Western Illinois University Admission
Admission at Western Illinois University for graduate and undergraduate programs takes place mainly in two intakes (with a limited number of programs in summer intake), and the application fee is $50 (₹4,292). It is based on satisfying the eligibility criteria along with other requirements such as document verification, LOR, and English test scores. The tables given below categorize WIU admission requirements for graduate and undergraduate programs based on specific criteria.
Western Illinois University Graduate Admission Requirements
WIU accepts graduate applications mainly around the fall and spring semesters after meeting the set criteria for admission, as mentioned in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $50 (₹4,292) |
| Fall (August) Deadline | Application - April 1 Documents - April 15 Financial documents - June 1 |
| Spring (January) Deadline | Application - October 1 Documents - October 15 (including financial documents) |
| Academic eligibility | Qualified bachelor's degree GPA ≥ 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (combined undergraduate) |
| English Proficiency Test Scores | TOEFL ≥ 73 |
| IELTS ≥ 6.0 | |
| ITEP ≥ 3.7 | |
| PTE Academic ≥ 49 | |
| TOEFL Essentials ≥ 8.0 | |
| Duolingo score ≥ 105 |
Western Illinois University Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Admission to Western Illinois University is based on qualifying 10+2 with at least a 2.75 GPA. Besides, WIU also requires other criteria for enrollment in its programs as listed in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $50 (₹4,292) |
| Academic eligibility | Qualified high school equivalent to a US High school diploma GPA ≥ 2.75 on a 4.0 scale |
| English Proficiency Test Scores | TOEFL ≥ 73 |
| IELTS ≥ 6.0 | |
| ITEP ≥ 3.7 | |
| PTE Academic ≥ 49 | |
| TOEFL Essentials ≥ 8.0 | |
| Duolingo score ≥ 105 |
WIU Admission Documents
The following documents are required for admission to Western Illinois University graduate and undergraduate programs.
- Degree/diploma/complete academic records, mark sheets, and certificates
- English test scores (non-native English speakers)
- Copy of passport
- Evaluation of full secondary records from World Education Services (WES)/The Evaluation Company (TEC)/International Education Evaluation (IEE)
- Evidence of Financial Proof for 1st year
- GMAT/GRE scores (program specific)
- Letters of recommendation
Western Illinois University Application Deadline
Western Illinois University accepts admission applications on a rolling basis all the year. However, some significant deadlines for undergraduate and graduate programs, based on fall (August) and spring (January) for intakes, are mentioned in the table below.
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall deadline - Freshman | August 1 |
| Fall deadline - Transfer | August 1 |
| Fall deadline - International | April 1 |
| Spring deadline - Freshman | November 1 |
| Spring deadline - Transfer | December 1 |
| Spring deadline - International | October 1 |
Western Illinois University Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Western Illinois University is 75%. As per the official website, the total number of undergraduate enrollment was 7,624, with 4% from the international community.
Western Illinois University Scholarships
Scholarships at Western Illinois University are distributed in the fall and spring semesters when the students meet the criteria for scholarships as mentioned in the table below.
| Particulars | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| International Undergraduate | $6,000 (₹515,040) per year | GPA ≥ 4; full-time student |
| $4,000 (₹343,360) per year | GPA - 3.99 - 3.50; full-time student | |
| $2,000 (₹171,680) per year | GPA - 3.49 - 3.0; full-time student | |
| International Graduate | $4,000 (₹343,360) per year | F-1 students, GPA - 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (undergraduate) |
| International Undergraduate Transfer | $2,000 (₹171,680) per year | GPA ≥ 3.5 |
| $1,500 (₹128,760) per year | GPA - 3.25 - 3.49 | |
| $1,000 (₹85,840) per year | GPA - 3.0-3.24 | |
| International Presidential Scholarship (IPS) | Waiver on tuition fee | Next available - fall semester 2025 Eligible 6 undergraduate candidates are selected based on merit, post-admission GPA ≥ 3.5 |
| Undergraduate Regional Diversity Scholarship | $3,000 (₹257,520) | South and Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Caribbean countries GPA ≥ 2.5; full-time student |
| President Huang International Student Scholarship | $500 (₹42,920) | Full-time international students with strong academic skills |
| Rodney and Bertha Fink International Women's Scholarship | $1,200 (₹103,008) | Female international student, preferably from a developing country, majoring in Agriculture or Agriculture Business |
| Macomb Branch AAUW International Student | $500 (₹42,920) | Full-time international undergraduate student (current) with at least a 2.5 GPA |
| Francis and Peggy Davern International Scholarship | $325 (₹27,908) | Full-time international student with LOR from a WIU international alum GPA ≥ 3.5 (graduates) GPA ≥ 2.5 (undergraduates) |
Western Illinois University Cost of Living
Western Illinois University provides both on-campus and off-campus placements to students. However, all the undergraduate students are required to stay on campus in the residence halls/dorms for the first 4 years of the semester (exceptional when married or older than 24 years).
- These residence halls have shared kitchens, shared bathroom facilities.
- Residence halls are separate for first-year students and others.
- Sophomore, Junior, Senior & Graduate Halls are Thompson Hall, Grote Hall, Corbin & Olson Hall, and Lincoln & Washington Hall.
- Further, there are also University Village and Westbrook House on-campus housing facilities for graduate students.
- Whereas, freshman or the first-year halls are Thompson, Lincoln & Washington.
- WIU maintains a strict policy and a contractual agreement for undergraduates to stay in the residence halls/dorms on campus, except when exceptions have been made.
- The approximate cost of a residence hall for one semester is $3,000 (₹257,520).
- The Macomb area is populated with international students due to the off-campus housing requirements.
The table describes in detail the cost of living on campus based on different categories.
| Category | Fall/Spring (per semester) | Summer(per semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Double Occupancy | $5,944 (₹510,362) | $909 |
| Single Occupancy | $7,568 (₹649,678) | $1,360 |
| Super Double | $6,244 (₹536,269) | NA |
| Super Single | $7,748 (₹665,035) | NA |
| Corbin Suite - Double | $6,244 (₹536,269) | NA |
| Corbin Suite - Single | $8,979 (₹771,037) | NA |
| Grote - Double | $6,419 (₹551,095) | NA |
| Grote - Single | $7,440 (₹638,150) | NA |
Western Illinois University Placement
Western Illinois University has seen favorable growth in the graduates' employment in sectors such as education, protective services, management, health care, business operations, sales, and social services.
- The university also offers career support services through online career services, such as Handshake, Big Interview, ONET, and Parker Dewey micro‑internships.
- WIU organizes career fairs to support students with opportunities.
The table describes the statistics for Western Illinois University based on average salary, employment numbers, and growth percentage in the past 3 years.
| Category | Annual Employment Numbers (2024) | Annual Employment Numbers (2025) | Average Salary | Growth % (2022-2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS Agriculture | 253,223 | 255,070 | $70,881 (₹6,067,776) | 3.7% |
| BS Cybersecurity | 193,265 | 196,519 | $97,527 (₹8,354,000) | 2% |
| BS Law Enforcement and Justice Administration | 125,926 | 126,388 | $95,743 (₹8,199,000) | 0% |
| Bachelor of Music | 212,951 | 214,770 | $56,159 (₹4,813,815) | -0.2% |
| BS Nursing | 338,267 | 342,256 | $94,159 (₹8,069,822) | 7.1% |
WIU involves 40+ recruiters globally. Some of the leading recruiters who recruit graduates of Western Illinois University are given below.
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Western Illinois University Campus and Infrastructure
Western Illinois University is located on two campuses, Macomb and Quad Cities. Given below are highlights of the campus and infrastructure facilities for WIU.
Macomb Campus
The Macomb campus is situated on the land of the indigenous people of Illinois (Inoca). It is the main campus located 40 miles east of the Mississippi River. It has the following key features.
- It covers more than 60 buildings spread over 1,000 acres.
- This campus includes 7 residence halls, such as the Caroline Grote Hall, Corbin-Olson Hall, Thompson Hall, and Westbrook House.
- The campus has a range of places to socialize, such as the cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and the Farmer’s Market.
- The Leslie F. Malpass Library at the Macomb Campus provides a range of research and music content.
- The residence halls at the Macomb Campus are home to 4,000+ students with high internet connectivity and dining services.
Quad Cities
Quad Cities campus is located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Moline, Illinois. It is a campus for students exploring the graduate degree programs and features the following highlights.
- The campus includes the fitness center, gaming area, vending areas, and departmental labs.
- The library at Quad Cities campus is specifically designed for the Quad Cities students.
Western Illinois University is ranked among the top universities across mid Midwest, surrounded by green spaces and rich diversity. The university offers over 100 programs with career support services. It's at par with academic offerings, and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio makes it one of the leading choices among recruiters as well as applicants from around the world.
FAQ
Ques. How is the student life beyond academics at Western Illinois University?
Ans. Western Illinois University offers multiple fun activities for students. From the digital rec center to the Harry Mussatto Golf Course, some of the things to look forward to as a student at WIU are given below.
- Students' union, students' organization, and clubs are the part and parcel of the student life at Western Illinois University.
- WIU provides a range of dining options, eateries, and coffee shops for students to socialize.
- There are on-campus housing facilities, such as the residence halls, where all first-year students reside at the beginning of the semester. This provides students with an ample opportunity to connect with a wide variety of cultures around them.
- WIU also organizes various activities in the performing arts, theaters, dance, sports music.
Ques. What makes Western Illinois University stand out?
Ans. Western Illinois University is known for its academic excellence and high percentage of employed graduates. From career development services to ensuring safety, many unique features make WIU stand out among students globally, as mentioned below.
- The Leatherneck Link provides students with access to events and activities 24*7, thus helping them remain connected to the life of WIU.
- Western Illinois University is also a place of inclusive growth with students from all around the world, with the LGBT*QA Resource Center, Veterans Resource Center, and Women's Center.
- Events such as Rocky After Dark, Fall Fairs, Comedy Shows, and many other events are organized at WIU.
- The university ensures the safety of students and staff, 24*7 through its organized Office of Public Safety (OPS). Some of the initiatives include the safe walk, emergency alert system, emergency blue light callboxes, crime victim assistance & advocacy, electronic device registration, and student patrols.
- The first-year advising centre provides insights and resources from professionals and aids students in their journey at WIU.
Ques. Where can I apply for admission to Western Illinois University?
Ans. Western Illinois University provides different portals for admission to its graduate or undergraduate programs. International applicants can apply using the international application portal on the official website. Besides, undergraduate/freshman applicants can also apply via the Common App.
Western Illinois University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Computer Science 2 years | Application Deadline Spring 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2025) Application Deadline Summer 2026 Intake (1st Mar 2026) Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) | USD 13,230 /Yr | 50 | Duolingo-105 | |
M.B.A 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring Intake (17th Nov 2025) Application Deadline For Summer Intake (1st Mar 2026) Application Deadline For Fall Intake (9th Apr 2026) | USD 12,647 /Yr | 50 | Duolingo-110 |
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Western Illinois University comparison
| University Name | Western Illinois University | University of Nebraska | Northern Illinois University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4 Out of 10 | 5.1 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
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| Subject Strength | - |
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| Acceptance Rate | 75.0 % | 77.0 % | 71.0 % |
| Exam Score | |||
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| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
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Western Illinois University Student Profiles
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Western Illinois University Reviews
Most Popular Tags
2 Reviews Found
Likes
- The professors here are incredibly supportive and always ready to help with any doubts. The teaching is top-notch, and the practical sessions are very valuable.
- As a Computer Science student, I’ve really enjoyed the course curriculum, which includes both foundational courses and advanced topics. These additional courses have expanded my knowledge and will definitely be useful as I move forward in my career.
- There’s also great career support, starting with tips on resume preparation and interview techniques.
Dislikes
- Finding accommodation can be quite challenging, especially during the winter season.
- As an Indian student, it’s a bit tough to find the groceries we’re used to, and the options are limited.
- While the main roads are cleared of snow, the maintenance of the campus roads during snowfall could be better. They do get cleared eventually, but not always on time.
Campus Life
- We have 2 campuses. The main campus is in Macomb, IL and the second campus is in Quad-cities, IA and IL border.
- Our library is huge, it is of 4 floors and the study area is amazing.
- We have fax facilities, xerox, print, etc. all for free.
- We have campus recreation, where most of the sports facilities are available including badminton, tennis, running track, gym, basketball, swimming, zumba, table tennis, squash, etc.
- We have a health center within the campus and a district hospital.
- There are few clubs for college of business and technology, computer science association, Indian Student association, agricultural clubs, finance clubs, marketing clubs, theaters, etc.
Fees
- The estimated fee for 9months is around $22,000 which includes tuition fee and other expenses.
- University fee is based on semester - wise ($5000 approx) and I got a scholarship of $2000 for every semester.
- Accommodation is very reasonable and at low cost compared to other cities.
- A $300 every month is a minimum cost for each person every month, which includes rents, groceries, power bill and personal expenses
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Overview
Money and scholarships given were quite a bit of help and also I went on a tour and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. It was a nice community and I liked the set up of the campus and the professors that I met.
Fees
Housing is fairly expensive, roughly 3 grand a semester. Tuition is the most, running about 600 dollars per credit hour. Which is a lot when you're taking 15-16 credit hours a semester. Luckily I get FAFSA and scholarships to cut down the cost to only about 2 grand a semester.
Western Illinois University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAUW International Fellowships | Scholarship per student$50,000 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Shardashish Interschool fellowship | Scholarship per student$50,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| University of Phoenix | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forte Fellowship | Scholarship per student$25,451 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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Western Illinois University Admissions
Application Portal: https://wiu.edu/admissions/apply_now/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Western Illinois University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8606 | 7552 | 1054 | 498 |
Western Illinois University Campus Location
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