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Western Illinois University Admissions
We're glad you are taking a closer look at Western Illinois University, one of the " Best Midwestern Colleges ". We hope you consider submitting an application for admission and become a Leatherneck!
Brooke
"I have the opportunity to look at a specific research problem ... and work with other students who are interested in the same areas."
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Joshua
"A very nice campus, a very nice location in a small, rural college town."
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Emily
"I qualify for a scholarship and that makes it really easy to go here."
Hear more (0:46 video)Welcome, Future Leatherneck!
Western Illinois University ensures that your college years will be a good investment with its two Guarantee programs: Cost Guarantee and Graduation Guarantee (GradTrac). Learn more about WIU and how you can join the ranks of the Leathernecks! Please contact our Undergraduate Admissions Office at any time with questions at (309) 298-3157 or admissions@wiu.edu.
Step 1. Learn about WIU
- Learn about Macomb, Illinois
- Explore our Undergraduate Majors and Programs, including our Signature Programs
- View current costs (Tuition, Fees, Room & Board) - you may also wish to use our Cost Calculator to estimate your cost of attendance
- Ensure you meet our Undergraduate Admissions Standards
- Learn about our unique Western Commitment Scholarship which rewards 4-year scholarships to students with excellent academic ability
- Learn about our flexible Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree option for working adults
- Interested in what you see? Request additional information
Step 2. Visit Campus
- Attend a Discover Western Open House, held multiple times per year
- If you can't make one of our Discover Western dates, schedule a campus visit that fits your schedule. Many visit options are available every month of the year
Step 3. Apply
- Complete your Undergraduate Admissions Application online. If planning to attend in the fall, submit application before May 15. (We have special Admissions Applications for our International students, Bachelor of Arts in General Studies applicants, and non-degree seeking students).
- Have your official ACT and/or SAT scores mailed directly to WIU
- Have your official high school transcript mailed to WIU directly from your high school. After you graduate from high school, we will also need your final transcript that includes your date of graduation
- Military/Veteran applicants: submit form DD214
Step 4. Paying for College
- Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st - contact our Financial Aid Office for details
- Apply for Scholarships - application deadline: April 1. There are scholarship opportunities for everyone, no matter if you are new to college or transferring from another school. All new freshmen who submit application materials for admission by May 15 are automatically considered for Western Commitment Scholarships
- Explore on-campus student employment opportunities and other employment opportunities in the region
- Our Career Services office is also available to help prepare you for your future internships and career
Step 5. After Acceptance
- Sign up for an Orientation and Registration program by signing in to STARS with the login information provided on your accept letter
- Activate your student email account - important University information will be sent here
- Search Available Courses for your first semester
- Make contact with your academic advisor - see your advisor early and often throughout the academic year
- Connect with other new students on Facebook
Step 6. Housing Options
- On-Campus Housing (required for all freshman and sophomore students *):
- Off-Campus Housing: Explore area apartments and real estate offerings
Interested in Transferring to WIU? You're not alone!
Each year approximately 2,000 new students transfer to WIU. Below are 6 Easy Steps for your Transfer Process. Please contact our Transfer Center at any time with questions at (309) 298-3120.
Step 1. Learn about WIU
- How will my credits transfer?
- View current costs (Tuition, Fees, Room & Board)
- Ensure you meet our Transfer Admissions Standards
- Learn about our flexible Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree option for working adults
- Interested in what you see? Request additional information
Step 2. Visit Campus
- Schedule a Campus Visit that fits your schedule
- Attend a Discover Western Open House, held multiple times per year
Step 3. Apply
- Complete your Admissions Application online. (We have special Admissions Applications for our International students, Bachelor of Arts in General Studies applicants, and non-degree seeking students).
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. Official evaluation of all coursework will be completed upon acceptance
- Military/Veteran applicants: submit form DD214
Step 4. After Acceptance
- Sign up for an Orientation date
- Activate your student email account - important University information will be sent here!
- Search Available Courses for your first semester
- Make contact with your academic advisor - see your advisor early and often throughout the academic year
Step 5. Housing Options
- On-Campus Housing (required for all freshman and sophomore students*):
- Off-Campus Housing: Explore area apartments and real estate offerings.
Step 6. Paying for College
- Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st - contact our Financial Aid Office for details
- Apply for Scholarships - application deadline: April 1
- Explore on-campus student employment opportunities and other employment opportunities in the region.
- Our Career Services office is also available to help prepare you for your future internships and career.
Welcome, Future Graduate Student!
Western Illinois University is the only state university in Illinois to offer a 4-year cost guarantee at the graduate level. To learn more about what we have to offer, we encourage you to explore the following links. For more information, visit our Graduate Studies website or contact our office at any time with questions at Grad-Office@wiu.edu or toll-free at (877) WIU-GRAD.
Step 1. Learn about WIU
- Explore our graduate programs and post-baccalaureate certificate offerings
- Learn about our two campuses in Macomb, Illinois and Moline, Illinois (Quad Cities). You can also download a Viewbook with more details.
- Learn about the Macomb and Quad Cities communities
- View current costs (Tuition and Fees). Students in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin receive in-state rates
- Want to learn more? Request additional information
Step 2. Visit Campus
- Register to attend a Graduate School Open House
- Schedule a Macomb campus visit which may include a campus tour and a meeting with academic departmental representatives
- Wish to visit our Quad Cities campus? Contact an Admissions representative to schedule an individual tour.
Step 3. Apply
- Western's for me! Apply for admission
- All new students must submit the appropriate online application and pay a $30 application fee
- Degree-seeking graduate students should request all official transcripts to be sent to the School of Graduate Studies
- Some graduate programs have additional admission requirements. Review your program's requirements
- Still have questions? Find answers in our FAQ
Step 4. Paying for Graduate School
- Learn more about WIU's 4-year cost guarantee to degree-seeking graduate students
- Want to gain valuable work experience, receive a tuition waiver, and earn a monthly stipend? Learn about assistantship opportunities
- Apply for scholarships - there are dozens of scholarships specifically for graduate students
- Investigate student loan options - contact our Financial Aid Office for details
Step 5. After Acceptance
- Activate your student email account – important University information will be sent here!
- Plan your courses and register for classesduring the enrollment period
- Plan to attend new graduate student orientation either in Macomb or the Quad Cities. Postcard invitations will be sent to you
- Make contact with your academic adviser - contact your particular academic department for details
- Connect with other WIU grad students on Facebook
Step 6. Housing Options
- On-Campus Housing:
- Off-Campus Housing:
Welcome to our International Students
Western Illinois University believes strongly in the development of an international perspective. With the increasing interdependence of today's world, an international experience is no longer seen as an option, but is instead an integral part of the overall educational experience. Whether you are a student from outside of the United States thinking about studying in America, or you are a current Western student thinking about studying abroad, we hope that you decide to start your international journey with WIU, one of the top 150 "America's Best Value Colleges".
Step 1. Learn about WIU
- Explore our undergraduate and graduate programs or learn more about the WESL Institute where you can improve your English skills
- Learn about our two campuses in Macomb, Illinois and Moline, Illinois (Quad Cities)
- View current costs (Tuition, Fees, Room & Board)
- Learn more about WIU's 4-year cost guarantees for undergraduate and graduate students
- Are you a current WIU student wanting to travel and receive course credit? Consider Study Abroad Programs
- Want to learn more? Contact the Center for International Studies today
Step 2. Apply
- Complete your International Application for Admission online and pay a $30 application fee. We encourage you to apply early to allow enough time to get accepted, receive your admission and immigration documents, apply for your visa and make travel arrangements
- View our Checklist for International Students. This will help you complete the international admissions process
- Some graduate programs have additional admission requirements. Review your program's requirements
- Still have questions? Find answers in our FAQ
Step 3. After Acceptance
- You will receive an email from our office informing you of your acceptance. If all financial documentation is in place, we will mail you an acceptance packet and your I-20 form. If you are currently an F-1 student in the U.S., you will receive your WIU I-20 upon your arrival
- Begin the process of obtaining your student visa
- Learn more about maintaining your immigration status while in the U.S.
Step 4. Housing Options
- On-Campus Housing:
- Off-Campus Housing:
Step 5. Paying for College
- Want to gain valuable work experience, receive a tuition waiver, and earn a monthly stipend? Learn about graduate assistantship opportunities
- Learn about scholarship opportunities
- Explore on-campus student employment opportunities
Step 6. Arriving at WIU
- Attendance at the New International Student Orientation (NISO) program is strongly recommended! NISO includes:
- airport/train pick-up and transportation
- presentations about U.S. immigration regulations, how to be successful at WIU, academic advising, cultural information, ESL placement testing, banking & shopping trips, campus & city tours, social activities and insurance
- Learn about campus and community activities.
Online Learning Opportunities
Western Illinois University offers a variety of 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. Please contact our School of Distance Learning, International Studies & Outreach at any time with questions at (309) 298-1929.
Step 1. Learn about WIU
- We offer three degrees you can earn completely online
- Take an online course and have it transfer to your home institution
- Explore our available online courses - add flexibility to your traditional degree program by supplementing your requirements with online classes.
View all scheduled online courses for Spring 2013
& Summer 2013
and projected online courses for Fall 2013
semesters. - Interested in what you see? Request additional information
Step 2. Apply
- Submit the appropriate application to begin your online journey:
- Bachelor of Arts in General Studies (BGS) degree program application. (Are you a former WIU student? Complete our readmission application)
- Do you simply want to take online courses, but not towards a degree? Complete our non-degree seeking student application
Step 3. Paying for College
- Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st - contact our Financial Aid Office for details
- Apply for Scholarships - application deadline: April 1. There are scholarship opportunities for everyone, some (the BGS Alumni and James and Eva Ann Elmer Scholarships) specifically for students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies online degree
- Educational assistance is available to qualifying veterans, members of the reserve, and their dependents
Step 4. After Acceptance
- You will receive notification of your WIU ID number and your ECom username
- Activate your student email account with your ECom username - important University information will be sent here
- Activate your personal Student/Alumni Records System (STARS) account. This will allow you to access your academic records, course registration, billing information, and much more
- Search Available Courses for your first semester
- Order books and materials that are required for your courses
- Make contact with your academic advisor to help you meet degree requirements
Step 5. Explore Our Online Resources
- Access all WIU online courses through WesternOnline - log in with your ECom account to view a WesternOnline tutorial
- Does your online exam require a proctor? Find a proctor in your region
- Explore the many online resources available through University Libraries
- Need consultation on writing projects? View some of our University Writing Center resources
- Do you need technical assistance? Find solutions in Western's Knowledgebase or contact the uTech Support Center
Step 6. Campus Connection
- Connect with other WIU students via one of our many social networks
- See how you can get involved - many activities and events are held throughout the year
- Sign up for our daily E-News Notification emails to keep up to date on University news
- Get in touch with our Career Services office - they are available to help you prepare or update your resume or refine your interviewing skills
