Undergraduate Admissions
Applying to Western Illinois University (WIU) is the first step in building your future. On campus or online, you benefit from our rigorous academic programs, student-centered approach, and personalized education.
Explore your admissions pathway, learn about application requirements, and unleash your full potential at WIU.
Discover What Makes WIU Different
Learn beyond boundaries at Western. Our community-oriented learning environment fosters opportunities for growth both on campus and long into your professional life. Make the most of your college experience through our:
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Cost Guarantee: WIU’s competitive tuition rates remain at a fixed rate for four years.
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Robust Academic Programs: Choose from over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs tailored to industry demands.
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Flexible Learning Format: Study on campus in Macomb or Quad Cities, online, or in a hybrid learning program.
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Uplifting Community: Our personalized attention and resources help you thrive.
Explore Your Path to Becoming a Leatherneck
Many roads can lead you to WIU, so we offer many Western Illinois University admissions pathways that align with your unique experiences. Follow your tailor-made path based on whether you are graduating high school, transferring from community college, returning to college to advance your career, or joining WIU as an international student.
Applying as a Freshman
If you are about to graduate or have not taken college classes after completing high school, apply as a freshman. Check out our admission requirements and scholarship opportunities.
Transferring to WIU
Apply as a transfer student if you have completed at least 24 semester hours at another institution. Western’s credit transfer process provides a seamless transition with ample support as you adjust to the Leatherneck life.
Graduate Admissions
Elevate your career and deepen your expertise in advanced study at WIU. Each of Western’s 35+ graduate programs carries specific admissions requirements in addition to our standard Graduate Studies application.
International Applicants
Western’s global community welcomes you! Learn about admission requirements and English proficiency requirements for international students.
12:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$19K
Average Finanacial Aid Award
Top
Public University in the Midwest
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At Western, we knock down barriers between you and your goals. That includes reducing the financial commitment associated with your education. Our pioneering
Western Way
program covers all tuition costs and mandatory fees for eligible students, and we also offer hundreds more merit-based, local, and departmental
scholarships. Use our handy
Net Price Calculator
to find out your cost, including additional financial aid opportunities like grants, work-study, and loans.
Tuition: No Such Thing as State Lines
Join a community without divisions: at Western, out-of-state students pay in-state tuition!
Already Admitted?
Congratulations! Once you receive your acceptance information, you can commit to Western for FREE to secure your place in the incoming class.
Your Potential Unleashed
If you are about to graduate or have not taken college classes after completing high school, apply as a freshman. Check out our admission requirements and scholarship opportunities.
See WIU for Yourself
Experience Leatherneck life firsthand on a campus visit! Our tour takes you through immersive academic buildings, interactive student areas, comfortable residence halls, and lively green spaces—all the environments that make Western a supportive and engaging community.
If a trip to campus isn’t in the cards right now, take a virtual tour to get ready for your first days at WIU!
Questions about Your Application?
We’re Here to Help
The Western Illinois University admissions team is standing at the ready to help you determine your eligibility, navigate the application process, understand tuition and financial aid, identify WIU application deadlines, and answer any other questions you come up with. Email us at admissions@wiu.edu or call (309) 298-3157 to start the conversation!
Is Western Illinois University test optional?
Yes! We do not require ACT or SAT scores for undergraduate WIU admissions.
Some WIU graduate programs require GRE or GMAT scores.
Freshmen: Rolling admission. Recommend to apply by August 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.
Transfer students: August 1 for fall semester and December 1 for spring semester.
International students: April 1 for fall semester and October 1 for spring semester.
Connect with WIU Admissions: