Established in 1899, Western Illinois Normal and Training School opened its doors September 23, 1902 to 229 students. Throughout the years, Western Illinois grew and its name changed from Western Illinois State College to Western Illinois University on July 5, 1957.
Today, Western Illinois University offers a variety of bachelor's and master's degree programs, pre-professional programs, two doctoral degrees, and certificate programs to more than 11,000 students.
WIU’s signature programs are noted for their size, unique areas of concentration and accessibility. Western has one of the largest law enforcement programs of its kind in the nation, gives hands-on experience to sports broadcasting students from day one, and forensic chemistry majors learn basic concepts of crime scene investigations, such as managing and reconstructing a crime scene, analytical laboratory techniques and pattern analysis. Programs such as these give our students an edge in the workforce after graduation.
Address:
Western Illinois University
1 University Circle
Macomb,
IL,
61455
Phone:
309-298-1414
Procurement Office:
309-298-181990% of WIU students come from Illinois
Full-time faculty teach 93.5% of classes
The student to faculty ratio is 15:1
The Princeton Review: Western ranked a “Best Midwestern College"
U.S. News & World Report: WIU recognized as a top tier "Best Regional University"
U.S. News and World Report’s 2014 rankings show Western Illinois University out-performed its predicted graduation rate by 8 percent.
G.I. Jobs Magazine: Western Illinois named a "Military Friendly School”
Military Times EDGE Magazine: WIU named "Best for College"
Forbes: Western listed among the best of 650 institutions in the country
Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
U.S. President's Honor Roll for Service
With 62 conference championships and nine NCAA Division I football playoff appearances in the books, Western Illinois University Athletics offers students seven venues to support their Fighting Leathernecks: Hanson Field (football/track & field), Western Hall (basketball/volleyball), Alfred D. Boyer Stadium (baseball), Brophy Hall (swimming/diving/tennis), John MacKenzie Alumni Field (soccer), Harry Mussatto Golf Course and Mary Ellen McKee Softball Stadium.