Western Illinois University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Western Illinois admits a large share of applicants, so your goal is to be comfortably within the academic profile rather than just clearing the bar. If you submit scores, aim near the top of the range, around a 1120 SAT or 23 ACT, alongside steady grades.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Western Illinois University facts and stats
Western Illinois University enrolls about 4,525 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Western Illinois has a 61% freshman retention rate and a 45% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
Macomb, IL
How do your scores compare at Western Illinois?
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Key Western Illinois University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
November 1
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Western Illinois is test-optional, follow a testing timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and a fall retake to improve your score or superscore where accepted; because Western Illinois does not list ED, EA, or Regular Decision deadlines, confirm your final score-arrival date before choosing a last fall retake.
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What you'll actually pay
Western Illinois, an Ohio Valley Conference public university, lists in-state tuition at $10,095 and out-of-state tuition at $10,095. The average merit award is $7,180, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
Western Illinois’ out-of-state tuition is $10,095, with room and board estimated at $11,888. Merit aid can meaningfully reduce the bill, with the average merit award around $7,180 for students who receive it. Actual costs will depend on financial need, scholarship eligibility, housing choices, and other personal expenses. Graduates leave with about $23,288 in debt on average.
Student life at Western Illinois University
25% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 17% of men join fraternities, and 9% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
American Islamic College
Chicago, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
Augustana College
Rock Island, ILAcceptance rate: 62.8%
SAT: 1040–1260
ACT: 21–29
Aurora University
Aurora, ILAcceptance rate: 80.8%
SAT: 900–1160
ACT: 21–29
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
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