Western Illinois University
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Western Illinois University: Popular Programs & Ranking

  • Institute Icon1050 acre campus
  • Estd. 1899
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 10 Apr '25

WIU
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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
WIU Overview
Table of content
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  • 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

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Year of establishment
1899
Also known as
WIU
University website
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Student website
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Total foreign students
448
Campus size
1050 acres
No. of campus
1
Endowment value
USD 50 million
Scholarships granted
5251
Scholarship amount granted
USD 43 million
Application fees
USD 50
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Not required
Total faculty
447
Faculty/Student ratio
13
Male/Female ratio
1.15
UG/PG course ratio
0.58
Total criminal offences
259
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights
Q:   What rank is the Western Illinois University?
A: 

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”.

Q:   What is Western Illinois University known for?
A: 

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.

Q:   Why should I choose the Western Illinois University?
A: 

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

Q:   What is Western Illinois University acceptance rate?
A: 

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.

Q:   Why choose Illinois for studies?
A: 

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

WIU Popular Courses

MBA/PGDM
MS
MPH
B.Sc.
More
MBAicon18 months

₹13 L

WIU
Western Illinois University Scholarships

Western Illinois University Admission 2025

  • Application fees :USD 50
  • Type of deadline :Regular
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNot required
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNeeded for few courses
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
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Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   How can Indian students apply to Western Illinois University?
A: 

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

Q:   Does Western Illinois University require IELTS?
A: 

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

TOEFL

73

TOEFL Essentials

8.0

IELTS

6.0

ITEP

3.7

PTE Academic

49

Duolingo

105

Q:   What GPA do you need to get into Western Illinois University?
A: 

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.

Q:   Does Western Illinois University require GRE?
A: 

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

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MBA/PGDM(1 course)
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedGMAT: 500 & Above, GRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above
MS(4 courses)
INR 8 L - 13 LGet Fee Details
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 73 & Above, PTE: 49 & Above
MPH(1 course)
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 73 & Above, PTE: 49 & Above
B.Sc.(1 course)
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 73 & Above
Others PG(1 course)
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 62 & Above
Read more
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility
Q:   How much is the tuition fee for international students at Western Illinois University?
A: 

The Western Illinois University tuition fee varies for different courses & specialisations.

Given below are the tuition fee of some popular courses at WIU:

Course

Tuition Fee

MS

INR 8.1 L-INR 13.06 L

MBA

INR 13.06 L

BS

INR 12.56 L

MPH

INR 13.06 L

Q:   How much is the application fee for international students at Western Illinois University?
A: 

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.

R
Rakesh Cholleti Verified Icon
MS in Chemistry - Batch of 2024
4.2
If you want join where tuition fee is less, Wis is the best choice.
Tips: Part times are very less but it is good budget college. Do the research on your own. Try for the scholarships provided by the western Illinois University. Applications will be started sooner than other universities it is better to apply sooner to get scholarship.
Reviewed on 27 Sep 2022Read more
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Western Illinois University Placements

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Commonly asked questions
On Placements
Q:   Which companies hire Western Illinois University graduates?
A: 

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

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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings
Q:   Is Western Illinois University a good university?
A: 

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.

Q:   What is the Western Illinois University ranked in the world?
A: 

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?

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Compare WIU with other similar colleges

MBA/PGDM
MS
MPH
B.Sc.
Others PG
College1st Year Tuition FeesRanking
INR 13.29 L -/-
INR 12.46 L#359 US News, 2025
INR 14.03 L -/-
INR 20.08 L -/-
INR 14.75 L - 15.83 L -/-
INR 12.76 L -/-
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisonsRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Comparisons
Q:   Which is better among Western Illinois University and Northern Illinois University?
A: 

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

WIU
Student profile

Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

64%

Black

22%

Hispanic

12%

Asian

1%

UG Student residence

In state

90%

Out of state

9%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

84%

25 and over

15%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

9219
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.47
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

5309
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

2334

Study in the USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
school Key Fact Icon
963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.38L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
mapPin Key Fact Icon
Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
334.23M (2023)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
June
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston1525
New York1827
Chicago1725
Los Angeles1726
Explore popular study abroad destinations
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Commonly asked questions
On Study in Country
Q:   How to apply for an USA visa?
A: 

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

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Commonly asked questions
On Alumni
Q:   Who are the most famous members of the Western Illinois University alumni network?
A: 

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

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Commonly asked questions
On Others
Q:   Do you have to live on campus while studying at Western Illinois University?
A: 

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.

Q:   How much does it cost to live on-campus at Western Illinois University?
A: 

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
(per semester)

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

Q:   What GPA is required for Western Illinois University?
A: 

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:

  1. A minimum 2.75 cumulative high school GPA or higher (on a 4.00 scale) 
  2. Applicants with a 2.00–2.74 cumulative high school GPA are eligible for a holistic review of credentials to be considered for admission.
Q:   Which is the better university for MS in USA, Western illinois University or Portland State University?
A: 

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.

 

 

Q:   How to get a part-time job while studying in Western illinois University?
A: 

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.

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WIU

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks 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

...Read more

S

Shreya Basu

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks 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

...Read more

S

Shreya Basu

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, the Western Illinois University does not mandatorily require ACT/SAT scores for undergraduate admissions of international students. Western Illinois University follows a test-optional policy, hence, for admissions, it just considers academic and English language proficiency requirements. However

...Read more

S

Shreya Basu

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks 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

...Read more

S

Shreya Basu

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks 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

...Read more

S

Shreya Basu

Contributor-Level 9

About the author

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Akash Gaur

Study Abroad Expert

Akash takes keen interest in writing content. He is particularly drawn towards putting his thoughts into words and is what he enjoys the most. Currently working as part of the Study Abroad team at Shiksha, he keeps a sharp focus on education policie...Read Full Bio
WIU Others(1)Western Illinois University
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WIU
Location

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University CityMacomb, Illinois, USA

WIU
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
Maccomb CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455, USA

Visit official site External Link Icon

WIU
Contact Information

Address

1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455, United States
Macomb ( Illinois)

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