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Western Illinois University: Popular Programs & Ranking
1050 acre campus- Estd. 1899
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Last updated on 10 Apr '25WIUWhat's new?
WIU is accepting admission applications for the upcoming academic session, listed below are the upcoming deadlines:
- UG Spring Semester Deadline is: Oct 01, 2025
- PG Spring Semester Deadline is: Oct 01, 2025
- About Western Illinois University
- Western Illinois University Courses
- WIU Popular Courses
- Western Illinois University Scholarships
- Western Illinois University Admission 2025
- + 10 more items
About Western Illinois University
History
Established in 1899, the Western Illinois University is a public university based in Macomb, Illinois, United States.
The institution first opened its doors under the name Western Illinois Normal School on Sep 23, 1902.
Accreditation
WIU is among the few institutions in the region to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The institution first attained its accreditation way back in 1913 & has maintained it for more than a century. The institute undergoes accreditation every 10 years.
Student Population
WIU houses over 6,300+ students (as of Fall 2024), of which 4,425 are undergraduates, while the graduate population comprises of 1,807 members.
Of the overall student population, 40.6% were identified as males, while 59.4% students are females. The enrolment percentage of underrepresented students stands at 31.0%.
Rankings
WIU is among the best ranking institutions in the region, with several notable platforms ranking it highly as part of their respective university rankings.
A prominent source ranks it #16 as part of its latest Top Public School Rankings, while the same source ranks it:
- #55 for Best Value Schools
- #27 for Best Colleges for Veterans
- #44 for Top Performers on Social Mobility
The institute’s courses are also ranked by Shiksha Popularity Rankings, with its BBA program securing a country-level rank of #380, while its overall Business & Management programs rank #400 among all courses offered by higher educational institutes in the United States.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The Western Illinois University ranks among the best higher educational institutions in the region.
A major university ranking platform ranks it #440 as part of its the latest UG Business Rankings 2025, while the same source ranks it #57 as part of its the latest rankings of the “Regional Universities in Midwest” category.
It attains a rank of #16 for the “Top Public Schools” category & #55 for “Best Value Schools”.
WIU is known for offering a plethora of undergraduate & postgraduate degree programs across a range of fields.
Another unique aspect of the institute's is it Cost Guarantee programs, where tuition fees freezes over four years of continuous enrolment.
Students can also choose from over 150 student clubs & organizations to be a part of, learn & have fun over the duration of their studies.
The Western Illinois University can be a great choice for international students, for a number of factors, mentioned below:
· World Class facilities
· Number of dining facilities
· A competitive athletics programme
· International student scholarships
· Internet-equipped classes & laboratories
· Weekly student events
· Proven employment record
· Diverse student community
The WIU has an acceptance rate of around 57%, suggesting the institute is somewhat selective at granting admissions to students.
Prospective students must maintain a solid academic track record & preferably should be active in other non-academic activities over school/college studies to have a chance of securing a seat the institute.
Illinois is among the most prominent states in the USA for a number of reasons. The state is home to Chicago, which also happens to be the third most populous city in the country.
The state houses some of the best educational institutions in the region including: North-Western University, The University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, & Western Illinois University among others.
The state is also known for offering an interesting blend of historical architectures & natural beauty with some popular locations including:
· The Art Museum of Chicago
· Millennium Park
· The Magnificent Mile
· Willis Tower
· Cloud Gate
· Lincoln Park Zoo
Western Illinois University Courses
The Western Illinois University offers 100+ degree programs including 60 UG courses & 40 PG courses as well as two doctoral programs.
Some prominent streams pursued by students at the university includes: Law Enforcement & Justice Administration, Elementary Education, Psychology, General Studies, Computer Science, Alternative Teacher Licensure, Public Health & Nursing among others.
Mentioned below are some popular undergraduate courses offered by WIU:
- BBA in Accountancy
- BS in Agriculture
- BS in Computer Science
- BS in Biology
- BA in Broadcasting & Journalism
- BA in Art
Given below are some popular postgraduate courses offered by the institute:
- MBA
- MA in Teaching
- MA in Communication
- MA in Political Science
- MS in Biology
- MS in Computer Science
- Master of Public Health
The institute also offers a number of integrated Baccalaureate & Master’s programs, allowing students to complete their postgraduate education faster.
Listed below are some prominent integrated courses offered by WIU:
- BBA + MBA
- BA in Arts + MA in Museum Studies
- BA in Broadcasting & Journalism + MS in Sports Management
- BS + MS in Chemistry
- BS + MS in Computer Science
For more course related info, look into the table below or click: Western Illinois University Courses
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
The Western Illinois University is known to offer over 100 degree programs across several prominent streams including: Business, Engineering, Arts, Healthcare, & Communication among others.
Given below are some popular courses offered by the institute:
· BBA in Accountancy
· BS in Computer Science
· BA in Art
· MBA
· MA in Teaching
· MA in Communication
· MS in Computer Science
· Master of Public Health
WIU Popular Courses
18 monthsWIUWestern Illinois University Scholarships
The Western Illinois University offers a number of scholarships to its international students on a merit basis.
The merit-based scholarships are awarded as per an individual’s academic performances, with GPA scores being given a lot of importance.
Mentioned below are some prominent scholarships offered to students at WIU:
|
Scholarship |
Financial Reward |
|---|---|
|
International Undergraduate Scholarship |
INR 1.72 L-INR 5.16 L |
|
International Graduate Scholarship |
INR 3.4 L |
|
International Presidential Scholarship |
Tuition & Fee waiver |
|
Undergraduate Regional Diversity Scholarship |
INR 2.58 L |
|
Rodney & Bertha Fink International Women’s Scholarship |
INR 1 L |
The eligibility requirements vary for each scholarship, mentioned below are the requirements for International UG Scholarship:
- Must maintain a 3.0. GPA on a 4.0. scale
- Must have earned less than 24 credits
- Must have a continuous full-time (12 hours) enrolment
- Must not be a part of a government or HGO sponsorship program except with bilateral agreement
- Scholarship only applies to WIU tuition costs
- 50% of the fee is awarded in the fall semester while the other 50% is awarded over the spring semester
The eligibility requirements for International Graduate Scholarship is mentioned below:
- Must possess an F-1 visa
- Must be a newly admitted, non-sponsored student enrolling to WIU for the first time
- Must maintain a CGPA of 3.0, on a 4.0. scale
- Continuous enrolment required
- Must not be receiving a graduate assistantship
- Must not be a pursuing a second bachelor’s degree
- The scholarship only applies to WIU tuition
Western Illinois University Admission 2025
The university accepts admission applications primarily over two windows: Fall & Spring.
The Fall semester deadlines are now closed, however, deadlines for Spring semester are still open to international students.
The upcoming application deadlines for both undergraduate & postgraduate courses are given below:
|
Application Type |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|
|
UG Spring Semester |
Oct 01, 2025 |
|
PG Spring Semester |
Oct 01, 2025 |
Western Illinois University Admission Requirements 2025
The admission requirements vary for both UG & PG courses. Given below are the admission requirements for students interested in UG course admissions:
- Must possess the equivalent of an U.S. high school diploma
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 75 on a 4.0 scale (all marks & scores to be converted to a 4.0. scale)
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 50 (INR 4,300)
- Submit proof of financial ability to study
- A copy of passport
- High-school & Secondary-school level educational transcripts & individual mark sheets
- An official unopened (10+2) school record, sealed by the Exam board & mail or courier the same to WIU
- Satisfy the language test scores mentioned below:
|
Test |
Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
73 |
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
ITEP |
3.7 |
|
49 |
|
|
105 |
Admission process for International Students
International applicants can follow the below mentioned admission process for successfully applying for a seat at WIU:
- Register on the official WIU application portal
- Pick a course as per your interests
- Check & satisfy its entry requirements
- Upload all mandatory documents & fill all important fields
- Pay the standard application fee
- Wait for the university to share an official response
- Check the status of your application regularly
- Accept the offer letter
- Follow any further instructions as specified by the university
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Given below is the admission process for Indian students to be considered for a seat at WIU:
· Register on the university's application portal
· Choose a course
· Ensure that you satisfy its entry requirements
· Upload all important documents such as transcripts & test scores
· Pay an application fee of around USD 50 (INR 4,300)
· Wait for the university's official notification
· Check the status of your application on a regular basis
· Accept the offer letter
Yes, the institute prefers its students to maintain a decent level of written & verbal English language proficiency & IELTS score is considered an acceptable proof of the same.
Apart from IELTS score, the institute also accepts other test scores such as: Duolingo, TOEFL & PTE Academic.
Mentioned below are the minimum scores students must achieve:
Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
73 | |
8.0 | |
6.0 | |
ITEP | 3.7 |
49 | |
105 |
The minimum GPA required for Freshman international students to get into WIU is around 2.75 on a scale of 4.0.
Candidates with a GPA in the range of 2.00-2.74 can secure admissions as well, pending a holistic review of credentials, by the university's admissions team.
Students may also be required to submit some additional information, as part of the process.
Yes, GRE scores are considered for admissions to some courses at WIU.
The university does not specify a university-wide minimum GRE score, therefore, candidates are advised to perform as well as they can, in these exams.
Priority is given to students with a higher score as well as those who maintain a solid academic record & a professional resume highlighting their non-academic achievements.
Western Illinois University Fees
The tuition fee at WIU varies significantly as per the level of the course & specialisation being pursued.
The tuition cost of a Bachelor of Science (BS) course is around INR 12.5 L, while that of a Master’s of Science (MS) program ranges between INR 8.1 L-INR 13.06 L.
There are also some other additional costs that students must take into consideration that are linked to living in Illinois, including: hostel, food, health insurance, public transport & some other miscellaneous expenses.
For an in-depth review of the study costs at WIU, check out: Western Illinois University Fees
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(4 courses) | INR 8 L - 13 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 73 & Above, PTE: 49 & Above |
B.Sc.(1 course) | INR 13 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 73 & Above, Duolingo |
Others PG(1 course) | INR 13 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 62 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 13 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: GMAT: 500 & Above, GRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above |
MPH(1 course) | INR 13 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 73 & Above, PTE: 49 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The WIU charges a standard application fee of around USD 50 (INR 4,300) to its international students.
The fee can be paid online as part of the admission application. The fee is non-refundable & must be submitted for the application to be considered.
The university does not offer any application fee waivers.
Western Illinois University Placements
The Western Illinois University maintains a solid track record of providing post-study employment opportunities to students.
As per the latest employment data curated from an unofficial source, the 2,276 alumni members to have graduated of the Class of 2025, have secured employment across a number of sectors.
Mentioned below is a breakdown of the major sectors, WIU graduates are currently employed at:
|
Sector |
Total Students |
|---|---|
|
Education |
231 |
|
Operations |
220 |
|
Administrative |
164 |
|
Customer Success & Support |
88 |
|
Community & Social Services |
76 |
Though the institute offers over 100 courses, some courses are pursued more than others by the university’s student population.
Mentioned below is a breakdown of the prominent courses pursued by the alumni Class of 2025:
|
Course |
Total Students |
|---|---|
|
Business Administration |
119 |
|
Computer Science |
90 |
|
Computational Science |
82 |
|
Psychology |
69 |
|
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement |
69 |
The institute’s graduates are handpicked by some of the best for-profit & non-profit organizations in the US & abroad.
Listed below are some popular recruiters of WIU graduates:
- Walmart
- US Army
- John Deere
- Hy-Vee
- Western Illinois University
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The Western Illinois University is a popular destination among recruiters for hiring graduates.
The university's graduates are employed across a range of industries & are paid handsomely for respective contributions.
Some prominent organizations, recruiting WIU graduates include: Walmart, John Deere, Illinois Army National Guard, UnityPoint Health & MACOMB Country Club among others.
Western Illinois University Ranking 2025
Western Illinois University ranks among the best institutions in the Illinois region as well as at the country level.
The institute ranks highly as part of country-level rankings given out by Shiksha, with its BBA program securing a rank of #380 among all universities & colleges in the United States, while its Business & Management studies courses overall secure a rank of #400 as part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings.
Given below are the rankings given by another major ranking platform:
|
Parameter |
Rankings |
|---|---|
|
Regional Universities Midwest |
#57 |
|
Top Public Schools |
#16 |
|
Best Value Schools |
#55 |
|
Best Colleges for Veterans |
#27 |
|
Top Performers on Social Mobility |
#44 |
For a more in-depth look at WIU rankings, must click: Western Illinois University Rankings
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
WIU can be considered a good institution for studying abroad.
The institute offers an inclusive campus environment with a major emphasis on experiential learning. Eligible students can also apply for merit & need-based financial aids, with cash prizes going north of INR 5 L.
There's also a greater emphasis on student engagement with weekly academic events such as workshops, conferences & meet-ups with industry professional providing a great opportunity for students to grow their network.
As per Global UG Business Course rankings given by a prominent ranking platform, the institute attains a rank of #440, highlighting the standard of education being offered to students.
Further, the institute ranks #57 for Regional Universities Midwest category, #16 for Top Public Schools & #55 for Best Value Schools in the region.
Western Illinois University vs Northern Illinois vs Saint Joseph’s University: Which is better?
Western Illinois University, Northern Illinois University & Saint Joseph’s University are part of the best institutions in the United States.
These institutions attract a large number of international students for their quality of education, excellent placements & better industry exposure.
However, to choose one between them, considering some key parameters such as location, tuition costs, popular programs & course fee can help make the selection process easier.
Given below is a comparison between WIU, NIU & SJU:
|
Criteria |
Western Illinois University |
Northern Illinois University |
Saint Joseph’s University |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455, United States |
Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115, United States |
5600 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131, United States |
|
Acceptance Rate |
57% |
71% |
83% |
|
Popular Programs |
Business Administration, Computer Science, Accountancy |
Computer Science, Arts, Communication |
Finance, Business Administration, Healthcare |
|
Tuition Fee (MS) |
INR 8.1 L-INR 13.06 L |
INR 8.81 L-INR 25.26 L |
INR 11.34 L-INR 17.2 L |
|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings (BBA) |
#380 |
#205 |
#158 |
Compare WIU with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 8.27 L - 13.33 L | -/- | |
| INR 12.72 L - 16.35 L | -/- | |
| INR 11.29 L - 19.25 L | -/- | |
| INR 9.08 L - 18.69 L | #342 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 7.33 L | -/- | |
| INR 11.88 L | #359 US News, 2025 |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
Both Western & Northern Illinois Universities are based in the state of Illinois & are located around 185 miles apart from each other. Both institutions are considered the best in their respective regions, but do share some differences based on key parameters such as fee, rankings, popular programs, etc.
Given below is a comparison between the two:
Criteria | Western Illinois University | Northern Illinois University |
|---|---|---|
Location | 1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455, United States | Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115, United States |
Acceptance Rate | 57% | 71% |
Popular Programs | Business Administration, Computer Science, Accountancy | Computer Science, Arts, Communication |
Tuition Fee (MS) | INR 8.1 L-INR 13.06 L | INR 8.81 L-INR 25.26 L |
Shiksha Popularity Rankings (BBA) | #380 | #205 |
WIUStudent profile
Others
64%
Black
22%
Hispanic
12%
Asian
1%
In state
90%
Out of state
9%
24 and under
84%
25 and over
15%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
Study in the USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Commonly asked questions On Study in Country
The process for applying for an USA visa may start after you get a Form I-20 from your college.
Once the SEVIS cost has been paid and a receipt has been obtained, you can complete a DS-160 visa application. It uses an online application form. Visa applications cost USD 185, which is equivalent to INR 15,343.9. After submitting the visa application cost, you must schedule an interview with the American Embassy or Consulate in your nation. Because the wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa type, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible.
Western Illinois University Notable Alumni
Western Illinois University is home to a number of notable individuals, known for their work across several prominent industries including: Entrepreneurship, Politics, Hollywood Journalism, Sports & Healthcare among others.
Mentioned below are some popular members of the WIU alumni network:
|
Alumni Name |
Alumni Profession |
Alumni |
|---|---|---|
|
Frank Winters |
Former American Football Player |
|
|
Mary Matalin |
Political Consultant |
|
|
Micheal Boatman |
Actor & Writer |
|
|
Tim Walberg |
Politician |
|
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
The institute has given several notable individuals to a number of industries in the US & abroad, over its near 125-year old history.
From professional athletes to media personalities & healthcare workers, some prominent members of the WIU alumni network include: Paul Vallas, Dot Richardson, John Rosemond, Kosuke Kimura & Tom Soehn, among others.
Western Illinois University Campus Life
Based in Macomb, Illinois, the Western Illinois University Campus offers over 150 groups & programs to take part in multiple academic & recreational activities.
Athletics
WIU runs one of the most sought-after sports programme in the region offering students a chance to participate in a number of popular varsity sports including: baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, football, soccer, cross country & track & field.
The institute’s sports programme is sponsored by sports equipment manufacturing giant Adidas, who provide a number of resources to the university students at special discounted prices.
The university also has its own sports team: The Leathernecks that participates in United States college system’s premier sports competitions: the NCAA & OVC.
Dining
The institute maintains a number of dining facilities across its campus that offers meals throughout the day. The dining facilities include two dining centers: Corbin Olson & Thompson as well as a convenience store: Lincoln Washington.
These facilities offer a variety of meals, with a new cuisine being served every single day.
The dining facilities remain open till late nights, as do the convenience stores, meaning accessibility to food is not an issue.
Housing
On-campus accommodation is available in the form of residence halls located across the campus, with some major ones including: Caroline Grote Hall, Corbin-Olson Hall, Thompson Hall & Westbrook House.
Accommodation is available in suite-style rooms with all essential facilities such as beds, desks, hutches, dressers & desk chairs provided by the institute.
Additional facilities include laundry, shared bathrooms, study spaces as well as recreational halls.
Alternatively, the option to live off-campus is also available, with WIU maintaining a dedicated off-campus housing resource, that students can explore by visiting the official university housing portal.
Commonly asked questions On Others
WIU students are required to live as part of on-campus accommodation facilities for a duration of four semesters or at-least until they attain 60 credit hours.
Those who do not satisfy these conditions would then need to file a petition for living off-campus.
For more information regarding relocation to off-campus facilities, students are advised to refer the university's Housing office.
Mentioned below are the costs of living as part of University maintained residence halls along with the costs of meals at Western Illinois University for students who enrolled in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025:
| Accommodation & Meal Type | Fall/Spring | Summer (8 Week Session) | Summer (4 Week Session) |
|---|---|---|---|
Double Occupancy and Meal Plan | INR 4.86 L | INR 74.5 K | INR 37.3 K |
Single Occupancy and Meal Plan | INR 6.20 L | INR 1.11 L | INR 55.7 K |
Super Single and Meal Plan | INR 6.38 L | N/A | N/A |
Super Double and Meal Plan | INR 5.12 L | N/A | N/A |
Corbin Suite-Single and Meal Plan | INR 7.37 L | N/A | N/A |
Corbin Suite-Double and Meal Plan | INR 5.12 L | N/A | N/A |
Grote-Double and Meal Plan | INR 5.27 L | N/A | |
Grote-Single and Meal Plan | INR 6.12 L | N/A | N/A |
ResNet (High Speed Internet) | INR 10.75 K | N/A | N/A |
WIU FAQs
Western Illinois University offers a number of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The minimum GPA requirement for each programme will vary from programme to program. Therefore, internatioanl students should check the minimum GPA requirement before applying for any course in the Western Illinois University. The minimum GPA requirement for international students is given below:
- A minimum 2.75 cumulative high school GPA or higher (on a 4.00 scale)
- Applicants with a 2.00–2.74 cumulative high school GPA are eligible for a holistic review of credentials to be considered for admission.
Western Illinois University has been ranked #201-250 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report and ranked #401-500 globally by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. It is also affordable as compared to many private universities in USA.
Whereas Portland State University has been ranked #298 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers a wide range of MS programs in various fields, including business, engineering, education, and social work and has a diverse student body and a commitment to social justice and sustainability.
Here are some ways to find part-time jobs while studying at Western Illinois University:
Check the Western Illinois University Employment Website: The Western Illinois University Employment website lists current employment opportunities available at the university
Search for On-Campus Positions via Handshake: Students can search for all on-campus positions within Handshake, which is an online job portal
Search for On-Campus Student Positions: Students can search for on-campus student positions by clicking on "jobs" then filter by clicking "on campus"
Apply for On-Campus Jobs Online: International students who want to work during their time at Western Illinois University must work on campus.
Check University Technology Student Employment Opportunities: University Technology at Western Illinois University offers student employment opportunities. All student workers are expected to work between 5 and 20 hours per week in the University.
WIU
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
International applicants are required to submit some documents that are mandatory for admission. Those documents might vary with the programme applying to. The documents that are required in general by the Western Illinois University at the time of admission include:
- Academic records
- English language
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Western Illinois University requires English language eligibility test scores by international students as an admission requirement. The university accepts various test scores like IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. The following table mentions the minimum required scores in the tests so as to fulfil the English
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
As per the data present on the official website, currently over 6000 students are there in the university along with 10.3% of international students from more than 132 countries, out of the total student strength. Thus, the university has quite a multicultural environment. Below is the enrolments da
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The MS in Computer Science programme in the Western Illinois University is a comprehensive programme on the foundational and advanced computer principles for individuals who want to grow practical experience in this field. The duration of this programme is generally 2 years and is offered in full-ti
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Western Illinois University offers a vast variety of majors for applicants to choose from. Students can pick any course as per their interest and their eligibility. Some of the programs offered by the university are more popular than others. Those are as follows:
- Law Enforcement
- Business and Managemen
S
Contributor-Level 10
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| University City | Macomb, Illinois, USA |
WIUCampuses
1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455, USA
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1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455, United States
Macomb ( Illinois)
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