Exploring Western Illinois University's Student Population

how many students attend western illinois university

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public university with campuses in Macomb and Moline, in the Quad Cities metropolitan area of northwest Illinois and southeast Iowa. The university has a rich history, with classes first beginning on campus in 1902 with 229 students enrolled. Today, Western Illinois University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is committed to providing a dynamic and diverse educational experience for its students. In terms of enrollment, the university has seen a total fall enrollment of 6,332 students across its campuses, with an undergraduate enrollment of 5,025 students (as of fall 2023). The university offers a range of student organizations, including athletic, philanthropic, and academic groups, and is known for its student life and extracurricular activities.

Characteristics Values
Total undergraduate enrollment 5,025 (as of Fall 2023)
Total enrollment 6,332 (as of Fall 2024)
Gender distribution 41.3% male, 58.7% female
Students living in college-owned or affiliated housing 32%
Number of buildings on campus 53
Campus area 1,050 acres
Number of student organizations Over 250

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Western Illinois University's total fall 2023 undergraduate enrolment is 5,025

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public university with a main campus in Macomb, Illinois, and another in the Quad Cities metropolitan area, with a campus in Moline, Illinois. WIU first opened its doors in 1902 as Western Illinois State Normal School with 229 students enrolled. The university has since changed its name three times and now offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

WIU's total fall 2023 undergraduate enrollment is 5,025. This includes students from both the Macomb and Moline campuses. The gender distribution among undergraduate students is 41.3% male and 58.7% female. Additionally, 32% of undergraduate students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 68% live off campus.

WIU offers a variety of student organizations and activities to cater to its large student body. There are over 250 registered student organizations, including multicultural, athletic, philanthropic, academic, and religious groups. The university also has a student-run radio station, 88.3 The Dog, WIUS-FM, which can be heard across McDonough County and online.

WIU's total enrollment numbers, including graduate students, are not publicly available for fall 2023. However, the university has previously reported a total fall enrollment of 6,332 students across both campuses, indicating that graduate programs also attract a significant number of students.

WIU provides a Cost Guarantee Plan with a four-year fixed rate for tuition, fees, room, and board, which has been in place since it was one of the first institutions in America to offer such a guarantee. This plan applies to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as transfer students earning associate degrees, ensuring that costs remain stable throughout their studies.

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The university's enrolment figure includes online/distance education courses

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public university with two campuses: WIU-Macomb, a traditional residential four-year campus, and WIU-Quad Cities, an urban non-residential campus. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is committed to fostering respect, equity, and inclusion for all its students.

WIU's enrolment figure includes online/distance education courses. The university's headcount enrolment includes student credit hour activity from on-campus and extension (online/distance education) courses. The headcount enrolment is calculated on the 10th day of each fall and spring semester and at the end of the summer semester. Each student's enrolment category is determined by the location of the majority of their credit hours. While some students take both on-campus and extension courses in a given term, the headcount avoids duplication and is based on the majority of credit hours for that term.

WIU's total undergraduate enrolment for fall 2023 is 5,025 students, with a gender distribution of 41.3% male and 58.7% female students. The university's total fall enrolment across its campuses in Macomb and Moline is 6,332, exceeding the projected enrolment range of 5,500 to 6,000. WIU's enrolment figure includes students taking advantage of the university's online/distance education courses, contributing to the overall enrolment number.

WIU has a long history dating back to its foundation as the Western Illinois State Normal School in 1899. The university has expanded significantly since then, with the Macomb campus now consisting of 53 buildings across 1,050 acres. The university's presence in the Quad Cities also has a long history, offering extension classes in the region since 1912. WIU-Quad Cities has expanded over the years to serve all levels of the college experience and offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and post-baccalaureate courses.

WIU's enrolment figure, including its online/distance education students, reflects the university's commitment to providing accessible and flexible educational opportunities to a diverse range of students. The university's focus on student retention and support, as well as its dedication to fostering a connected community, contributes to its enrolment numbers and the overall student experience.

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Western Illinois University's enrolment exceeded projections but was down from 2023

Western Illinois University (WIU) has seen its enrolment numbers exceed projections but fall short of the previous year's figures. As of Fall 2024, WIU reported a total enrolment of 6,332 students across its campuses in Macomb and Moline. This number surpassed the administration's projections of 5,500 to 6,000 students. However, it still represents a decrease compared to the enrolment figures from 2023.

WIU's enrolment history dates back to its early days as Western Illinois State Normal School in 1902, when it first opened its doors to 229 students. Over the years, the university expanded, and its name evolved, reflecting its growth and changing status. The current enrolment calculation methods at WIU include student credit hour activity from on-campus and extension courses, with headcounts conducted at specific intervals.

The university's focus on student retention and success is evident through their initiatives to provide support both inside and outside the classroom. WIU offers a diverse range of opportunities, including over 250 registered student organizations catering to various interests, such as multicultural, athletic, and academic pursuits. Additionally, WIU boasts a student-run radio station, 88.3 The Dog, WIUS-FM, which can be heard across McDonough County and online.

WIU's enrolment numbers reflect a mix of undergraduate and graduate students. As of Fall 2023, the university had an undergraduate enrolment of 5,025 students, with a gender distribution of 41.3% male and 58.7% female. The university's commitment to student success is further emphasized by their four-year graduation guarantee for students enrolled in the GradTrac program.

While WIU's enrolment for Fall 2024 exceeded projections, the decline from the previous year aligns with a broader pattern observed during the past decade. University officials attribute the lower enrolment to various factors, including the importance of student retention and the impact of financial stability measures, such as layoffs of faculty members. Nonetheless, WIU remains committed to fostering a supportive and engaging community for its students, ensuring they feel connected to the university and are provided with the necessary resources for their academic success.

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The university's first enrolment was on 23 September 1902, with 229 students

Western Illinois University (WIU) first opened its doors on 23 September 1902, with 229 students enrolled. The university has grown significantly since its early days, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 5,025 students in the fall of 2023. This number includes both on-campus and online students, with 32% living in college-affiliated housing and the remaining 68% living off-campus.

WIU offers a range of student-centred undergraduate and graduate programs, characterised by innovative teaching, research, and service. The university has two main campuses: WIU-Macomb, a traditional residential four-year campus, and WIU-Quad Cities, an urban, non-residential campus. The Macomb campus, which first opened in 1902, now consists of 53 buildings spread over 1,050 acres. The Quad Cities campus has been providing educational opportunities for over 50 years, first offering undergraduate courses in 1960.

WIU's total fall enrolment across both campuses was 6,332 students in 2024, exceeding projections of 5,500 to 6,000. This number includes both undergraduate and graduate students. The university offers a Cost Guarantee Plan, which freezes the per-hour rate for tuition fees, room, and board for four years, providing financial stability for students.

Founders' Day is celebrated annually on 23 September at WIU to commemorate the first day of classes and enrolment of the initial 229 students over a century ago. This tradition underscores the university's long history and commitment to providing educational opportunities in the region.

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32% of Western Illinois University students live in college-affiliated housing

Western Illinois University, a public university located in the heart of Illinois, boasts a vibrant and diverse student population. As of the fall 2022 semester, the university welcomed 6,095 students to its campuses in Macomb and Quad Cities. Of these students, a significant proportion, approximately 32%, choose to live in college-affiliated housing, equating to around 1,950 students. This percentage includes those residing in on-campus residence halls and university-owned apartments, creating a strong sense of community and connection to the university. Living in college-affiliated housing offers several advantages, fostering a convenient and engaging student experience.

First and foremost, residents have easy access to academic resources and support systems. Residence halls are often located close to academic buildings, libraries, and learning centers, facilitating a seamless transition from the classroom to study sessions or meetings with peers and faculty. Many residence halls also offer dedicated study spaces and computer labs, providing quiet environments conducive to academic success. Additionally, living on campus or in university-affiliated properties allows for greater involvement in student life and co-curricular activities. Residents can easily participate in campus events, join student organizations, and develop a deeper connection to their alma mater. This sense of community and engagement contributes to a well-rounded educational experience.

Western Illinois University recognizes the importance of providing a safe and secure living environment for its students. College-affiliated housing offers various security measures, including controlled access, 24-hour staff presence, and surveillance systems. This ensures that students feel secure in their residence and can focus on their academic pursuits without worry. On-campus living also promotes a sense of independence while providing a supportive environment. Residents learn valuable life skills such as time management, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy, preparing them for future endeavors beyond their college years. The university's housing options cater to different student preferences and needs.

WIU offers a range of housing styles, from traditional residence halls with shared amenities to suite-style or apartment-style accommodations that offer more privacy and independence. This variety ensures that students can find a living environment that suits their comfort and preferences, contributing to their overall satisfaction and sense of belonging. In conclusion, Western Illinois University's commitment to providing college-affiliated housing for a significant portion of its student body reflects its dedication to creating a holistic educational experience. By offering convenient access to academic resources, fostering student engagement, and providing a safe and supportive living environment, the university empowers its students to thrive academically and personally. This statistic of 32% of students choosing college-affiliated housing underscores the appeal of the university's residential offerings and the sense of community that it fosters.

Frequently asked questions

As of Fall 2023, Western Illinois University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,025 students.

The headcount enrollment is calculated on the 10th day of each fall and spring semester and at the end of the summer semester.

229 students were enrolled when classes first began on campus on September 23, 1902.

41.3% of the students at Western Illinois University are male, and 58.7% are female.

Western Illinois University reported a total fall enrollment of 6,332 students across its campuses in Macomb and Moline.

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