Steve Catania working on trebuchet.

“College is for learning – in and out of the classroom – while enjoying yourself and feeling comfortable.”
~Steve Catania, 2006 alumnus, history

One of America's Best Value Colleges

If you are searching for a great academic experience in a comfortable setting, it’s here at Western Illinois University – one of “America’s Best Value Colleges.” We earned our standing among the elite 150 best value colleges in the U.S. based on quality academics, tuition, financial aid and student borrowing.

America's Best Value College logo.We welcome all students who show promise and a willingness to work toward achieving shared educational goals.

At Western You Can…

Explore the world with global research and study opportunities through short-term, semester and year-long study abroad options.

Advance to the highest levels of performance and competition like theatre major Nick Viane, who competed at the Kennedy Center ACTF National Festival in Washington, D.C.; graduate student Matt Shefcik, who advanced to the finals of the International Trumpet Guild competition; and Zane Teilane, Western’s first basketball player drafted into the WNBA (2006) and the Detroit Shock.

Learn from full-time faculty on high-tech equipment, such as the geography department's weather radar, in one of only two nationally-certified meteorological programs in Illinois and the only program in the state to have its own weather radar system.

Train with distinguished national and international scholars, writers, and performing and fine artists – including Western theatre alumnus Michael Boatman – who teach in-residence and share their knowledge and crafts with students.

Boatman working with theatre students.

Study in premier academic departments such as law enforcement and justice administration, the largest program in Illinois, which works with more than 1,000 prominent criminal justice agencies nationwide to provide internship opportunities to students.

Take a closer look at our majors. There’s a lot to like at Western.

What Students Should Know

Your experiences at Western will be among the most rewarding and memorable times of your life. To help make it the best time possible for everyone, we have a variety of student services and assistance office, as well as opportunities beyond the classroom to learn and grow.