Macomb, IL · Private University
Is Western Illinois University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$54,163
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$14,952
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,952
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$59,808
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.62x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
44.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,251
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$11,592
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Western Illinois University graduates earn $9,163 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Western Illinois University ranked by graduate earnings
35 graduates
34 graduates
44 graduates
16 graduates
49 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Western Illinois University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Western Illinois University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Engineering Technology, General: $72,904) and the lowest (Political Science and Government: $33,161) is $39,743/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technology, GeneralBest ROI | $72,904 | 4.9x |
| Construction Management | $69,068 | 4.6x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,859 | 4.5x |
| Engineering, General(1yr data) | $66,112 | 4.4x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $62,291 | 4.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $60,157 | 4.0x |
| Chemistry | $57,236 | 3.8x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,113 | 3.8x |
| Marketing | $54,456 | 3.6x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $52,779 | 3.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $52,505 | 3.5x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $51,901 | 3.5x |
| Agriculture, General | $49,139 | 3.3x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $46,791 | 3.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $46,131 | 3.1x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $44,173 | 3.0x |
| Biology, General | $43,958 | 2.9x |
| Social Work | $43,139 | 2.9x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $42,666 | 2.9x |
| Music | $42,061 | 2.8x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $41,807 | 2.8x |
| Fire Protection(1yr data) | $41,432 | 2.8x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $40,303 | 2.7x |
| Psychology, General | $39,411 | 2.6x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,057 | 2.6x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $38,437 | 2.6x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $37,801 | 2.5x |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services(1yr data) | $37,155 | 2.5x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $35,944 | 2.4x |
| Political Science and GovernmentLowest | $33,161 | 2.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Western Illinois University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $54,163 10 years after starting, $9,163 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.1 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.