About

University Type

Public

University Type

Average Living Expenses

$25,500

Average Living Expenses

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public university in Macomb, Illinois. It was founded in 1899 as Western Illinois State Normal School. As the regular school grew, it became Western Illinois State Teachers College. In 1957, the college became a university.

What is the acceptance rate of Western Illinois University?

The Western Illinois University acceptance rate is 72.5%.

Western Illinois University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, integrated, pre-professional, and certificate programs. The university is home to the Western Illinois Leathernecks, which compete in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference.

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Western Illinois University and is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Western Illinois University (WIU) is ranked #401-500 globally by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. The university is also ranked #201-250 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

The acceptance rate for international students at Western Illinois University is 57%. 

The tuition fees at Western Illinois University for the 2023-2024 academic year for international undergraduate students are $18,246 per year, and for international graduate students are $19,096 per year. However, it is estimated that international students can expect to spend an additional $10,000-$15,000 per year on these expenses.

Top Reasons to Study in the Western Illinois University

  • Academic solid reputation: Western Illinois University is a top-ranked university with a strong academic reputation. The university offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and its faculty are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education.
  • Diverse student body: Western Illinois University has a diverse student body from all over the country and worldwide. This diversity creates a vibrant and inclusive campus community.
  • Vibrant campus life: Western Illinois University has a vibrant campus life with various student organizations, clubs, and activities. There is something for everyone at Western Illinois University, whether you are interested in sports, arts, music, or anything else.
  • Affordable tuition: Western Illinois University is a public university, so tuition is more affordable than many private universities. The university also offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education.
  • Global partnerships: Western Illinois University has several global partnerships with universities worldwide. These partnerships allow Western Illinois University students to study abroad, research, and collaborate with students and faculty from other countries.
  • Cost Guarantee Program: Western Illinois University offers a Cost Guarantee Program that freezes tuition and fees for four years of continuous enrollment. This program can save students thousands of dollars over the course of their degree.
  • Small class sizes: Western Illinois University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, which means that students can get to know their professors and get the individualized attention they need to succeed.
  • Hands-on learning: Western Illinois University emphasizes hands-on learning through its many internship and research opportunities. This allows students to gain real-world experience and make connections that will help them after graduation.
  • Supportive faculty and staff: Western Illinois University's faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students succeed. They are always available to provide guidance and support and are committed to creating a positive learning environment.

Courses

Cost of Studying at Western Illinois University

Average tuition fee

Reasonable

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3000+ Cr

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$32,900

Average living expenses (Masters)

$25,500

Admissions at The Western Illinois University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

72%

Application Fee

$30 - $50

How to Apply at Western Illinois University

The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students. Additional requirements are there for fresh and transfer undergraduate and graduate students.

 

Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

 

  • Application: You can apply through the Common Application on their official website.
  • The application fee is $75 (Non-Refundable).
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores:  SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and Ph.D. students)
    • English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic
    • Personal statement/Essay writing
    • Two letters of teacher/counsellor recommendation
    • International Financial Aid Statement of Intent
    • Translation of documents

 

Transfer Students Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

 

  • Application: You can apply through the Common Application on their official website.
  • The application fee is $75 (Non-Refundable).
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and Ph.D. students)
    • Standardized test scores are required if you have earned at least 24 semester hours of college credit.
    • English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic
    • Personal statement/essay writing
    • Transfer Report Form
    • Two letters of teacher/counsellor recommendation
    • Financial documentation

Documents Required to Apply to Western Illinois University

Undergraduate Students

 

  • Complete the Common Application from their official website
  • Official transcripts from all previous your high school attended
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic English test scores
  • Personal statement/Essay writing
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Financial documentation
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form 
    • Passport
    • Visa

 

Graduate Students/PhD or Scholar Students

 

  • Complete the Common Application from their official website
  • Official transcripts from all previous from your high school or college attended
  • GRE/GMAT scores 
  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic English test scores
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume or curriculum vitae (Relevant work experience)
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form
    • Passport
    • Visa
    • Portfolio

 

All documents must be in English or have an official English translation.

Exams Accepted By Western Illinois University

Undergraduate Students

 

  • Entrance Tests: SAT/ACT exam.
  • English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, or PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test scores.

 

Graduate Students/Ph.D. Students

 

  • Entrance Tests: GRE/GMAT exam
  • English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, or PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test scores.
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Students Western Illinois University

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International Students

% of international students in the university

14.5

Total International Students in the university

1108

Alumni at Western Illinois University

  • Mary Joe Matalin is an American political consultant and author. She served as counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney from 2001 to 2003 and as counselor to President George W. Bush from 2003 to 2005.
  • Michael Boatman is an American actor and writer. He is known for his roles as Carter Heywood in the ABC sitcom Spin City, as U.S. Army Specialist Samuel Beckett in the ABC drama series China Beach, as 101st Airborne soldier Motown in the Vietnam War movie Hamburger Hill, and as sports agent Stanley Babson in the HBO sitcom Arli.
  • Don Beebe is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He played college football at Western Illinois University and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1989 NFL Draft.
  • Lee Calhoun was an American track and field athlete who competed in the 110-meter hurdles. He won gold medals at the 1960 and 1964 Summer Olympics.
  • John Mahoney was an American actor. He is best known for his role as Martin Crane in the NBC sitcom Frasier. He graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in speech and drama.

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naresh kumar
Naresh Kumar

2 years ago

Regarding 15 years degree in india Does wiu accept 12+3 degree from India
LikeCount 1 Like
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Mani Arun Kumar Reddy Basireddy
Mani Arun Kumar Reddy Basireddy

2 years ago

@WIU If any person from the Western Illinois University right now he is persuing members can any one please contact me.
I need a information about the western Illinois University as well i need the weather conditions and how was the academic is that good or very strict and the how about the assignments is that can we s...
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Neelam Avinash
Neelam Avinash

3 years ago

masters in mechanical engineering
is there anyone manufacturing engineering technology in western illinois #wiu #engineeringandtechnology
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nandu reddy
Nandu Reddy

7 years ago

Hi all!! Creating a group for WIU (Western Illinois University) Fall 2018 admits in US. We will disc
Hi all!! Creating a group for WIU (Western Illinois University) Fall 2018 admits in US. We will discuss about i-20, pre-departure queries, etc. Interested people, comment your numbers below. Thanks!
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D.Gayatri null
D.Gayatri

7 years ago

wiu
wiu
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Reviews for Western Illinois University

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
2

Campus locations
Illinois

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Transportation in the city

  • Public bus: The Go West bus system provides service throughout the city, including to the Western Illinois University campus. Bus fares are $1.25 for adults and $0.50 for students.
  • Amtrak: Amtrak provides train service to Macomb from Chicago and other cities. Train fares vary depending on the distance traveled.
  • Taxi: Several taxi companies in Macomb can provide transportation to and from the Western Illinois University campus and other destinations in the city. Taxi fares vary depending on the distance traveled.
  • Ride-sharing: Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Macomb. Ride-sharing fares vary depending on the distance traveled and the time of day.
  • Bicycle: Macomb is a relatively bike-friendly city, and several bike paths connect the Western Illinois University campus to other parts of the city.
  • Walking: The Western Illinois University campus is relatively compact, and many students and faculty members choose to walk to and from their classes.

Services offered by the university

  • Academic support: Western Illinois University offers various academic support services, such as tutoring, writing help, and math help. These services are available to all students, regardless of their academic level.
  • Financial aid: Western Illinois University offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education. These options include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
  • Health care: Western Illinois University operates a student health center that provides health care services to students. The health center offers various services, including primary care, mental health care, and urgent care.
  • Dining: Western Illinois University operates several dining facilities on campus that offer various food options. These facilities include a cafeteria, a grill, a coffee shop, and a convenience store.
  • Recreation: Western Illinois University has various recreation facilities on campus, including a gym, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a soccer field. The university also offers a variety of intramural sports and fitness classes.
  • Housing: Western Illinois University offers a variety of housing options for students, including residence halls, apartments, and houses. The university also offers various housing services, such as roommate matching and housing assistance.
  • Student activities: Western Illinois University offers a variety of student activities, such as clubs, organizations, and events. These activities allow students to get involved on campus and meet new people.

Student life at Western Illinois University

  • Get involved in student organizations: Western Illinois University has over 150 student organizations, so there is sure to be something for everyone. You can join a club based on your interests, such as the Anime Club, the Environmental Club, or the Pre-Law Club. You can also join a Greek organization, such as a sorority or fraternity.
  • Attend sporting events: Western Illinois University is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, so you can cheer on the Leathernecks in basketball, football, volleyball, and other sports. The university also has several intramural sports teams, so you can participate in sports even if you're not a varsity athlete.
  • Go to concerts and events: The University Union hosts a variety of concerts, comedy shows, and other events throughout the year. You can also check out Macomb's local bars and clubs for live music and other entertainment.
  • Explore the outdoors: Macomb is located in the Midwest, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. You can go hiking, biking, fishing, or boating in the nearby lakes and rivers. You can also visit the Ferne Clyffe State Park, home to various hiking trails, waterfalls, and caves.
  • Volunteer in the community: There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Macomb community. You can work with local charities, help at a soup kitchen, or tutor elementary school students. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and meet new people.

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