by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a WIU degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how WIU measures up.
WIU is ranked #782 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C+ (above average for value). Within Illinois, it ranks #46 of 112 for value.
Among the majors WIU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Other Communication, Journalism, & Related Programs | #2 of 16 |
| Communication & Journalism (Other) | #2 of 16 |
| Communications / Public Relations | #2 of 16 |
| Marketing | #3 of 69 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #6 of 52 |
| Fire Services Administration | #6 of 17 |
| Agriculture | #7 of 60 |
| General Agriculture | #7 of 60 |
| Engineering Technology | #9 of 41 |
| Engineering | #9 of 41 |
Read the full WIU value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Western Illinois University is ranked #38 out of #129 in Illinois for quality and #46 out of #112 for Illinois value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the WIU financial aid page to be sure.
Western Illinois University is ranked #782 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Western Illinois University is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at WIU costs about $18,716. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $74,863 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $28,555 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $12,937 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $18,716 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,863 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about WIU net price and the factors that affect it.
What WIU costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a WIU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $114,220 | — | — |
| All Students | $74,863 | #782 | C+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $51,748 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $114,220 | — | — |
| All Students | $74,863 | #46 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $51,748 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at WIU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $6,968 |
| $30K–$48K | $7,391 |
| $48K–$75K | $11,608 |
| $75K–$110K | $16,515 |
| Over $110K | $17,621 |
About 63% of WIU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $12,943 per year. Get more details on the WIU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the WIU net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.