Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

University of Illinois Chicago vs Western Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Macomb, IL · Source: IPEDS federal database

University of Illinois ChicagoWestern Illinois University
Acceptance Rate78.5%75.0%
In-State Tuition$14,338$14,952
Out-of-State Tuition$29,360$14,952
Average Net Price$11,499$12,168
Graduation Rate60.0%45.0%

GradFax Analysis

University of Illinois Chicago accepts 78.5% of applicants. Western Illinois University accepts 75.0%. Tuition is close: $14,338 at University of Illinois Chicago, $14,952 at Western Illinois University. University of Illinois Chicago graduates 60% of students in 6 years. Western Illinois University graduates 45%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →University of Illinois Chicago profileWestern Illinois University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, University of Illinois Chicago or Western Illinois University?

Western Illinois University. It accepts 75.0% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is University of Illinois Chicago or Western Illinois University more affordable?

University of Illinois Chicago, on average. After aid, students pay $11,499/year versus $12,168/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

University of Illinois Chicago: 60% of students finish in 6 years. Western Illinois University is at 45%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

University of Illinois Chicago vs Western Illinois University: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax