College comparison

University of Northern Iowa vs Western Illinois University

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA	Western Illinois University Macomb, IL
Acceptance rateWestern Illinois University is more selective	93%	71%
SAT (25–75)	1020–1280	—
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	7,529	4,410
Avg net price	$15,901	$12,937
Median earnings (10 yr)University of Northern Iowa reports higher median earnings	$55,177	$54,163
Graduation rate	68%	45%
Median debt	$19,691	$25,251
Economic mobility	1.1%	1.2%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is University of Northern Iowa or Western Illinois University harder to get into?

Western Illinois University is more selective: University of Northern Iowa's acceptance rate is approximately 93% and Western Illinois University's is approximately 71% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for University of Northern Iowa vs Western Illinois University?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1020–1280 at University of Northern Iowa and — at Western Illinois University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.