Western Illinois University will be the leader in educational quality, opportunity, and affordability among regional public universities.
Western Illinois University empowers students, faculty, and staff to lead dynamic and diverse communities. We provide student-centered undergraduate and graduate programs characterized by innovative teaching, research, and service, grounded in interdisciplinary, regional, and global perspectives. We engage our students in educational opportunities guided by a professional and diverse faculty and staff in collaboration with alumni and community partners.
Recognized as a "Best Midwestern College" by the Princeton Review and as one of 37 public universities ranked a "Best Midwestern University" by U.S.News & World Report, WIU offers an outstanding variety of in-demand bachelor's and master's degree programs, pre-professional programs, two doctoral degrees, and certificate programs.
Western offers undergraduate and graduate students with a variety of programs. A degree from Western will give you an edge in the workforce after graduation. Western Illinois University's undergraduate majors are offered through four colleges, including several academic departments. Over 600 faculty members provide excellent instruction and prepare students and graduates to compete in the global community. Western Illinois University offers 38 graduate degrees, two doctoral programs, and 15 post-baccalaureate certificates at our two campus locations.
Western Illinois University offers various options for students who want to continue their education through an online learning environment. Whether expanding your current skill set or looking to complete a degree, we are committed to helping students achieve their educational objectives. Our purpose is to offer flexibility by providing online opportunities at WIU.
Expanding Western students' opportunities is directly related to the support the University receives through increased philanthropic investment in the Higher Values in Higher Education strategic plan. Scholarships at Western Illinois University have opened many enriching and supportive avenues for students pursuing college degrees. The WIU Foundation's Scholarship Program represents a strong tradition of helping WIU students and is continually growing, with new scholarships established every year.
WIU wants to reward you for your high school's academic ability by offering 4-year scholarships towards the cost of attendance. New first-year students who submit all application materials for admission are automatically considered! Western Illinois University is committed to admitting students whose academic records indicate a high potential for success.
Leadership Programs provide a wide variety of programs, services, and experiences that assist WIU students in exploring and developing their leadership abilities and their preparation to become active participants in the community. The program offers classes, workshops, resources, and activities that complement the co-curricular experience of WIU students. Involvement in the campus and local community creates an appreciation of service and emphasizes the importance of being interconnected with groups and individuals.
Western offers a variety of programs throughout the year that are open to all students. These programs expose students to a wide range of experiences that promote leadership, development, and personal growth.
USC advisors are full-time academic support professionals committed to student success. They view themselves as mentors and resource people who recognize that students may experience difficulties adjusting to university life. In addition to assisting with course selection, advisors help students explore major and career options and facilitate their college transition.
Study Abroad provides students with countless opportunities to take their studies all around the globe. Students can study in over 60 countries, regardless of their major or minor course of study. Many Study Abroad programs are comparable in cost to studying on WIU's campuses. Financial aid and scholarships are available to qualified students.
Providing excellent instruction is the highest priority of the University's 608 faculty members. The faculty is responsible for 96 percent of the total student credit hours earned at the undergraduate level, with graduate teaching assistants contributing the remaining 4 percent. As a group, full professors devote approximately 90 percent of their professional responsibilities to undergraduate instruction. The on-campus ratio of students to faculty is 14:1, and the average undergraduate class size is 19. Although primarily dedicated to teaching, WIU faculty members participate in extensive research and creative activities.
New students can attend Western Illinois University for about $25,900 in 2018–2019, including tuition, fees, room, meal plan, books, and personal expenses. Financial assistance is provided for qualified students. More than 78 percent of Western's undergraduate students receive some financial assistance. In 2017–2018, more than $138 million total in financial assistance was distributed. Of that total, over $56 million was in grants/scholarships that do not have to be repaid, and $82 million was through loans and campus employment.
Founded in 1899, the Western Illinois State Normal School was established to address teacher preparation in its grammar schools. The faculty and students of Western were eager to meet this need, and the institution soon became known for its well-rounded, deeply committed graduates, a tradition that continues.
We are now a leading University with a residential campus in Macomb, a metropolitan, non-residential campus in the Quad Cities, and extension and distance learning programs. With an outstanding, diverse faculty and staff committed to multicultural and international education, Western Illinois University offers undergraduate and graduate programs of study to approximately 9,400 students from Illinois, across the nation, and worldwide.
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