Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University, or WIU, is a public university founded in 1899. The main campus is located in Macomb, Illinois, and is spread across an area of 1,050 acres. The university offers various degrees and programs in diverse areas of study. According to US News & World Report college rankings, WIU is classified as a Masters University, one that draws students mainly from the surrounding area rather than nationally, and is committed to graduate education.

WIU is organized into the following academic divisions:

• College of Arts & Sciences
• College of Business & Technology
• College of Education & Human Services
• College of Fine Arts & Communication
• Centennial Honors College

WIU has an active Greek Life. There are more than 15 fraternities and over 10 sororities on campus. The student body of the university has an impressive number of international students. There are various clubs, including the New International Student Orientation (NISO), that assist foreign students with admission into WIU.

Western Illinois University Highlights

Where Western Illinois University stands out most compared to other schools (details below):

• Many students concentrating in media, security and law enforcement, nutrition and exercise therapy, real estate and construction management, and agricultural science and management.
• Large number of programs of study offered.
• Large number of students.
• Unusually high availability of athletic financial aid.
• Good faculty-to-student ratio.
• Number of dorm rooms for students.
• High male/female ratio.

Other important characteristics:

• Faculty tenure system
• Library on-campus
• Campus housing available
• Study abroad option
• Distance learning available
• Weekend study option
• Part-time classes available
• ROTC
• Athlete financial aid

Degrees Awarded (in 2007)

Students

The student enrollment at Western Illinois University was 13,331 in 2007 (11,878 full-time equivalent).

About 51% of the freshmen class in 2007 was male and women were 49% of the class.

Undergrads are 80% of enrolled students and graduate students are 20%.

About 1% of freshmen are from countries other than the US. Students living in the US make up 99% of incoming freshmen.

Among freshmen students, 100% are full-time and 0% are part-time.

Tuition and Other Costs

Financial Aid: Western Illinois University participates in US Title IV financial assistance programs.

Please refer to BrainTrack's financial aid articles section for background information.

Faculty

Tenure (2007):

Housing and Meals

Western Illinois University provides on-campus housing for 5,000 of its 11,878 (full-time) students (as of 2007). The school requires freshmen to live on campus.

Western Illinois University Athletics

School sports include football (Gateway Football Conference), basketball (Mid-Continent Conference), baseball (Mid-Continent Conference), and track (Mid-Continent Conference).

Western Illinois University offers financial aid for athletes. Of students receiving athletic financial aid, 189 male students received the aid (men were 60% of those receiving aid) and 124 women were awarded financial aid based on athletics (representing 40% of students receiving such aid) .

Western Illinois University Admissions (2007)