Western Illinois University: Student Population And Campus Life

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public university in Macomb, Illinois, founded in 1899. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,025, a total enrollment of 7,073, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. The university has a rural setting and covers 1,050 acres. WIU offers 69 undergraduate majors, over 51 bachelor's degree programs, and 13 pre-professional degrees at the undergraduate level.

Western Illinois University's total student population

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public university in Macomb, Illinois, founded in 1899. It has an additional campus in Moline, Illinois, and its main campus consists of 53 buildings over 1,050 acres.

WIU's total student population has varied in recent years. In 2022, the university had a total enrollment of 7,643 students, with 5,736 full-time students and 1,907 part-time students. However, by Fall 2023, total enrollment had decreased to 7,073 students, with 5,025 of those being undergraduates. This decrease in enrollment is a continuation of a trend seen in previous years, with WIU experiencing a major downsizing in 2016 and 2017 due to state budget cuts and declining undergraduate enrollment.

WIU's student body is predominantly female, with 58.4% female students as of Fall 2023. The student population is also diverse, with 31.6% of students being from underrepresented groups. In terms of race and ethnicity, as of 2022, 52.8% of students were White, 17.1% were Black or African American, 10% were Hispanic or Latino, 2.42% were of Two or More Races, 1.15% were Asian, 0.131% were American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.118% were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. Additionally, 12.8% of students were from out of state, and 3.9% were international.

WIU offers a wide range of academic programs, including four academic colleges: Business & Technology, Education & Human Services, Fine Arts & Communication, and Arts & Sciences. The university also offers an Honors College and the School of Extended Studies, which includes nontraditional programs. As of 2023, WIU offered 69 undergraduate majors, over 51 bachelor's degree programs, 13 pre-professional degrees at the undergraduate level, and 42 degree and certificate programs at the graduate level.

Undergraduate vs graduate enrolment

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public university in Macomb, Illinois, founded in 1899. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across four academic colleges: Business & Technology, Education & Human Services, Fine Arts & Communication, and an Honors College.

As of Fall 2023, WIU had a total enrolment of 7,073 students, with 5,025 of those being undergraduate students. This indicates that undergraduate students make up a significant proportion of the student body at WIU.

In 2022, WIU received 9,219 undergraduate applications, of which 6,914 were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 75%. This high acceptance rate suggests that WIU is a relatively accessible institution for undergraduate students. Of the accepted students, 895 were new freshmen, and 660 were new transfer students.

WIU offers 69 undergraduate majors and over 51 bachelor's degree programs, with 13 pre-professional degrees also available at the undergraduate level. The university awarded 1,819 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs in 2022, with 54.8% going to women and 45.2% to men.

In comparison, at the graduate level, WIU offers 42 degree and certificate programs. While specific enrolment numbers for graduate students are not available, the range of programs and degrees offered indicates a substantial graduate presence at the university.

WIU's total enrolment has fluctuated over the years, with a total of 7,643 students in 2022, and 7,073 in Fall 2023, a decrease of nearly 600 students. This decrease in enrolment may be a result of WIU's shift in focus towards attracting higher-achieving students with higher GPAs, as indicated by Interim Vice President for Student Success, John Smith.

In summary, while WIU has a significant undergraduate population and a range of undergraduate programs, it also offers a diverse selection of graduate programs, contributing to a well-rounded and academically focused student body.

Male-female student ratio

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public university in Macomb, Illinois, founded in 1899. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,025 (fall 2023), with a total enrollment of 7,073 students. The student body is predominantly female, with 58.4% women and 41.6% men. This gender breakdown is reflected in the university's overall enrollment numbers, with 4,149 female students and 2,924 male students.

The gender ratio at WIU has shifted over time. In 2022, the university had a total enrollment of 7,643 students, with a slightly narrower gender ratio of 51:49 female to male. This change may be due to fluctuations in enrollment numbers or other factors.

WIU offers a range of academic programs and is committed to fostering respect, equity, and inclusion for all students. The university guarantees a four-year rate for tuition and graduation, providing students with a clear path to completing their degrees.

Domestic vs international students

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public university in Macomb, Illinois, founded in 1899. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,025 (fall 2023) and a total enrollment of 7,073. The student body is predominantly female (58.4%) and the university has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

WIU's student population is largely domestic, with 83.1% of students from Illinois, 12.8% from out of state, and 3.9% international. This equates to 5,367 domestic students and 918 international students enrolled at the university. The international students come from a range of countries and backgrounds, with the university offering special housing for international students.

The university has a diverse student population, with 31.6% of students being from underrepresented groups. WIU fosters respect, equity, and inclusion for all students, with a commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, social justice, and diversity. The Multicultural Center, home to various cultural and identity-based centres, works to enhance the campus community's understanding and appreciation of all identities.

WIU has a strong focus on academic excellence and supporting its students. 80% of students receive some type of financial aid, with an average financial aid package of $17,646. The university guarantees a four-year fixed rate for tuition, fees, room, and board, and also guarantees graduation in four years for students enrolled in the GradTrac program.

Student retention rates

Western Illinois University (WIU) has a retention rate of 67% for full-time students, which is lower than the average rate of similar colleges. The retention rate for part-time students is 29%.

WIU has a higher freshmen retention rate than the national average, with 77% of students making it past their freshman year. The average first-to-second-year retention rate across the nation is 70.57%, while the average for colleges and universities in Illinois is 72.64%.

The Fall-to-Spring freshman retention rate for the Fall 2019-Spring 2020 period was 89.7%, while the Fall-to-Fall freshman retention rate for the same period was 77%. The following year, the Fall-to-Spring retention rate decreased slightly to 89.3%, while the Fall-to-Fall retention rate decreased to 71.9%.

The retention rate is an important metric for colleges and universities, as it indicates the percentage of first-time, full-time students who return for their second year. WIU's retention rates show that the university is successful in retaining its students, particularly when compared to national and state averages.

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