Western Illinois University

What are the graduation rates for students at Western Illinois University?

Western Illinois University reports relatively low graduation rates compared to national trends. The overall graduation rate stands at 45%, placing it in the bottom 30% percentile among peer institutions. This rate reflects the percentage of students who complete their degree programs within a specified period, typically six years for bachelor's degrees. When broken down by gender, men graduate at a slightly lower rate of 41%, while women graduate at 48%, both also ranking within the bottom third nationally. These figures suggest challenges in student retention and completion over the course of study.

The four-year graduation rate at Western Illinois University is notably low at 31%, again positioning the institution in the bottom 30% percentile. This indicates that less than one-third of students complete their bachelor's degree within the traditional four-year timeline. On the other hand, the six-year graduation rate improves somewhat to 45%, suggesting that a significant portion of students require extended time to finish their programs.

Retention rates further reinforce these findings, with only 59% of first-time students returning for their second year. This rate is considered low and falls within the bottom 15% nationally, highlighting difficulties in maintaining student enrollment beyond the first year of study.

The available data do not provide specific graduation rates by major or degree type, so direct comparisons across disciplines are not possible. However, these overall metrics offer prospective students a critical perspective on the pace and likelihood of degree completion at Western Illinois University.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Western Illinois University?

Graduates of Western Illinois University have varied earning potentials depending on their field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing, who average an income of $60,966. Similarly, students who studied Computer and Information Sciences enjoy strong prospects with average earnings around $56,058, closely followed by graduates in Engineering Technology, General, who make approximately $55,220.

Those who pursued degrees in Business Administration, Management, and Operations earn an average of $46,347, while graduates in Finance and Financial Management Services tend to make $44,348. Construction Management graduates also have a favorable outlook with an average income near $51,827. Accounting and Related Services graduates can expect around $42,063 post-degree, and Mathematics majors earn about $41,248 on average.

Education-related fields provide a range of earnings, with Teacher Education and Professional Development in Specific Subject Areas averaging $39,660 and Special Education and Teaching yielding approximately $37,193. Health and Medical Administrative Services majors earn around $37,077, and Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates receive an average income of $38,130.

Other degrees, such as Agriculture, General, report average earnings near $40,735, and Human Resources Management and Services graduates see about $39,583. Communication and Media Studies alumni average earnings of $36,104, with Political Science and Government graduates earning close to $35,206.

Majors in fields such as Chemistry, Fire Protection, and Marketing offer mid-range wages between approximately $35,000 and $35,500. Arts-related disciplines, including Music and Graphic Communications, show more modest returns, with earnings around $35,994 and $32,608 respectively, while Social Work graduates earn about $32,654 on average.

Lower average earnings are noted in disciplines such as Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at $28,747, Psychology at $28,046, and Biology at $29,129. Degrees in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft tend toward the lower end, with graduates earning an average of $17,096.