About Western Illinois University - WIU Parents & Families Visitors International Students Libraries Course Offerings Directory A-Z Index myWIU Email WesternOnline STARS WIUP Interview Exchange Colleague Self Service Leatherneck Link Volunteer Link Password & Account Self-Service Zoom APPLY NOW Western Illinois University Your potential. Our purpose. Macomb Quad Cities Online About WIU Academics Admissions Alumni Arts Athletics Giving Student Life Western Illinois University Your potential. Our purpose. Macomb Quad Cities Online APPLY NOW About Western Section Menu WIU Home About About WIU Schedule a Visit A University Rooted in Purpose: Driven by You Immerse yourself in a learning environment shaped around one core mission: to help you succeed. Western Illinois University (WIU) offers robust academic programs, purposeful mentorship, and a welcoming community that transforms your dreams into plans and realities. As a top public university in Illinois, we pride ourselves on our commitment to your personal growth and success, all while expanding your worldview with interdisciplinary, regional, and global perspectives. “Best Bang for the Buck” -Washington Monthly College Guide “Best Midwestern University” -U.S. News & World Report “Military Friendly School” for 15 Consecutive Years The WIU Advantage: Why Students Choose Us Our top-ranked educational programs, accessible approach to education, abundant opportunities for growth, and deep-rooted commitment to community set WIU apart from other institutions. Western Illinois University is known for being more than a good school: it’s one of the best. Quality College Education within Reach Keeping a WIU education affordable is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We offer a cost guarantee, meaning you will have a set tuition rate for up to four years, and our tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. These cost savings help Leathernecks prepare for competitive careers and achieve their goals soon after graduation. In addition to affordable tuition, WIU offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities to reduce the cost of your degree further. Supportive and Student-Centered Culture All Western faculty and staff members are committed to helping you grow and flourish. Our close-knit community is saturated with resources, opportunities, and connections that empower your success. Limitless Opportunities on and off Campus Conduct leading-edge research, make social connections in a student organization, compete as a Leatherneck athlete, earn your stripes in an internship, and so much more. Explore your full potential—academically and beyond—at WIU. Our Campuses Western Illinois University is located across two campuses in Illinois: our main hub in Macomb and our accessible metro location in the Quad Cities. Macomb Campus This gorgeous residential campus of Western Illinois University is in Macomb, Illinois. It features seven residence halls, 60 buildings, and Leatherneck athletics. Here, study criminal justice, agriculture, psychology, liberal arts and humanities, and more. Explore the Macomb Campus Quad Cities Our Moline-based commuter campus is the only public four-year university serving the Quad Cities region. The top programs on our Quad Cities campus are related to science and innovation, as well as education and museum studies. Explore the Quad Cities Campus Western Online Leathernecks learn all over the world in Western’s rigorous online degree programs and courses taught 94% by full-time faculty. WIU online equips you for lasting impact—on a schedule that works for you. Explore Online Programs Our Mission, Vision, and Values Every aspect of life and learning at Western is designed around our vision to be leaders in high-quality, affordable education. We have cultivated a dynamic and diverse community that fosters academic excellence, educational opportunity, personal growth, and social responsibility. WIU’s student-centered undergraduate and graduate programs open doors through innovative teaching, research, and service. Learn about our core values Our Story: A Legacy of Access and Excellence Western laid its foundations in 1899 as the Western Illinois State Normal School, which became Western Illinois State Teachers College in 1921. As our legacy grew, we took on the mantle of Western Illinois State College in 1947 before finally settling into our most lasting title ten years later: Western Illinois University. Initially a small-scale operation, Western opened the flagship Macomb campus in 1902. We launched the WIU-Quad Cities campus more than 50 years later—and it remains the only public university in the Quad Cities. Between our two campuses, we offer over 100 majors and programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, preparing thousands of students each year for a life of community, public service, and professional fulfillment. Fast Facts about WIU 6K Students 12:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio 94% Classes Taught by Full-Time Faculty FAQs What are some of the most well-known majors at WIU? Western Illinois University is known for its quality of education. Our top enrollment programs are: Undergraduate BS in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration BS in Elementary Education BS in Psychology BA in General Studies BS in Nursing Graduate Alternative Teacher Licensure Master of Business Administration MS in Computer Science Educational Leadership Master of Public Health Looking for other areas of study? Explore all program options. Is Western Illinois University accredited? Western Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Program-specific accreditations include AACSB for business degrees ABET for engineering degrees , and Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) View all Accreditations News WIU Western Challenge: What a Difference a Day Makes April 24 Western Illinois University is excited to announce its 11th annual Western Challenge Day of Giving, scheduled for Friday, April 24. This year’s theme, “What a Difference a Day Makes,” celebrates the powerful impact a single day of generosity can have while highlighting the pride and tradition of the Leatherneck community. Western Illinois University Announces Launch of Multi-State Maritime Workforce Consortium Western Illinois University announces the formal establishment of the Corn Belt Ports Rural Logistics & Maritime Training & Education Consortium, a multi-state collaboration designed to strengthen the inland maritime workforce and support economic growth across the Midwest. WIU-QC to Host Graduation Celebration May 13 Western Illinois University–Quad Cities (WIU-QC) will host a graduation celebration from 4–7 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, in the Riverfront Hall Atrium. Graduates are invited to attend for all or part of the evening as the university community gathers to recognize their achievements. The event will follow an open house format, allowing attendees to stop by at any time during the celebration. WIU Service Recognition Event to Honor Employee Milestones Western Illinois University will recognize employees for their years of dedicated service during its annual Service Recognition Event at 2 p.m. April 21 in the University Union, Heritage Room. The event celebrates faculty and staff who have reached significant career milestones, acknowledging their commitment and contributions to the university community. WIU Co-Hosts ACDA 2026 Central Region Conference Dance is power, personal, cultural and transformative. Western Illinois University, in collaboration with Illinois State University, co-hosted the American College Dance Association (ACDA) 2026 Central Region Conference in March, bringing together 22 colleges and universities from Maryland, Texas, California, Arizona, Missouri, Michigan and Illinois for a dynamic celebration of movement and expression. 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