Immerse yourself in a learning environment shaped around one core mission: to help you succeed. Western Illinois University (WIU) offers robust academic programs, purposeful mentorship, and a welcoming community that transforms your dreams into plans and realities. As a top public university in Illinois, we pride ourselves on our commitment to your personal growth and success, all while expanding your worldview with interdisciplinary, regional, and global perspectives.
“Best Bang for the Buck”
-Washington Monthly College Guide
“Best Midwestern University”
-U.S. News & World Report
“Military Friendly School”
for 15 Consecutive Years
Our top-ranked educational programs, accessible approach to education, abundant opportunities for growth, and deep-rooted commitment to community set WIU apart from other institutions. Western Illinois University is known for being more than a good school: it’s one of the best.
Keeping a WIU education affordable is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We offer a cost guarantee, meaning you will have a set tuition rate for up to four years, and our tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. These cost savings help Leathernecks prepare for competitive careers and achieve their goals soon after graduation.
In addition to affordable tuition, WIU offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities to reduce the cost of your degree further.
All Western faculty and staff members are committed to helping you grow and flourish. Our close-knit community is saturated with resources, opportunities, and connections that empower your success.
Conduct leading-edge research, make social connections in a student organization, compete as a Leatherneck athlete, earn your stripes in an internship, and so much more. Explore your full potential—academically and beyond—at WIU.
Western Illinois University is located across two campuses in Illinois: our main hub in Macomb and our accessible metro location in the Quad Cities.
This gorgeous residential campus of Western Illinois University is in Macomb, Illinois. It features seven residence halls, 60 buildings, and Leatherneck athletics. Here, study criminal justice, agriculture, psychology, liberal arts and humanities, and more.
Our Moline-based commuter campus is the only public four-year university serving the Quad Cities region. The top programs on our Quad Cities campus are related to science and innovation, as well as education and museum studies.
Leathernecks learn all over the world in Western’s rigorous online degree programs and courses taught 94% by full-time faculty. WIU online equips you for lasting impact—on a schedule that works for you.
Every aspect of life and learning at Western is designed around our vision to be leaders in high-quality, affordable education. We have cultivated a dynamic and diverse community that fosters academic excellence, educational opportunity, personal growth, and social responsibility. WIU’s student-centered undergraduate and graduate programs open doors through innovative teaching, research, and service.
Learn about our core valuesWestern laid its foundations in 1899 as the Western Illinois State Normal School, which became Western Illinois State Teachers College in 1921. As our legacy grew, we took on the mantle of Western Illinois State College in 1947 before finally settling into our most lasting title ten years later: Western Illinois University.
Initially a small-scale operation, Western opened the flagship Macomb campus in 1902. We launched the WIU-Quad Cities campus more than 50 years later—and it remains the only public university in the Quad Cities. Between our two campuses, we offer over 100 majors and programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, preparing thousands of students each year for a life of community, public service, and professional fulfillment.
Fast Facts about WIU
6K
Students
12:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
94%
Classes Taught by Full-Time Faculty
Western Illinois University is known for its quality of education. Our top enrollment programs are:
Undergraduate
Graduate
Looking for other areas of study? Explore all program options.
Western Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Program-specific accreditations include AACSB for business degrees, ABET for engineering degrees, and Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
View all Accreditations
In preparation for move-in at Western Illinois University, Resident Assistants (RAs), who are the primary leaders on each residence hall floor, engaged in numerous training sessions throughout the week to ensure readiness for the academic year ahead.
The New Student and Family Programs, in partnership with other offices on campus, is excited to present the “Leatherneck First Four Days” with a variety of activities and events for the incoming class. From Thursday, Aug. 21-Sunday, Aug. 24, students will have several opportunities to interact with various offices through numerous fun events.
The University Union Board at Western Illinois University will host WestFest 2025, Thursday, Sept. 25 in the University Union Grand Ballroom. Doors open at 8 p.m. and entertainment will begin at 9 p.m.
Competition is nothing new to Adam Bensman. At an early age, the 2025 Western Illinois University School of Agriculture graduate developed a love for raising competitive livestock and now, as the new WIU farm manager, he plans to continue building the agriculture program into one of the best in the country.
Meet Cody Cornell, a Western Illinois University Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate student, who has been hired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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