Western Illinois University Demographics & Diversity Overview

40%
Minority Students
56%
Female Students
1%
International
29
States Represented

Race & Ethnicity

Western Illinois University has a diverse student body with 40% students of color and 1% international students, creating a rich multicultural learning environment that celebrates students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White
58.6%(3,414)
Hispanic
12.6%(736)
African American
22.6%(1,318)
Asian
1.4%(81)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0.2%(11)
Pacific Islander
0.2%(9)
Two or More Races
2.9%(170)
Unknown
1.5%(89)

Diversity Highlights

Students of Color40%
Total Enrollment8,853
International Students1%

Cultural Engagement

Western Illinois University offers numerous cultural organizations, diversity programs, and multicultural events that celebrate the rich backgrounds of our student community.

Gender Distribution

Western Illinois University has a gender distribution of 56% female students and 44% male students.

Overall Gender Distribution

Men
43.5%(2,633)
Women
56.5%(3,417)

Gender Statistics

Men2,633

30% of total enrollment

Women3,417

39% of total enrollment

Age Distribution

Western Illinois University serves a diverse student population across multiple age demographics. The university enrolls 53% traditional college-age students (18-21 years old) and 14% non-traditional students aged 25 and older.

Undergraduate Ages

Under 18
2.1%(108)
18-19
31.1%(1,565)
20-21
32.9%(1,653)
22-24
17.6%(882)
25+
16.3%(817)

Graduate Student Ages

20-21
1.0%(20)
22-24
26.1%(535)
25+
72.9%(1,493)

Age Diversity Insights

53%

Traditional Age (18-21)

14%

Non-Traditional (25+)

32%

Graduate Students

Geographic Diversity

Western Illinois University attracts students from across the United States and internationally, with 1% international students contributing to a globally diverse campus community. The student body includes 92% in-state residents, 7% out-of-state students, and 1% international students, creating rich cross-cultural learning opportunities.

Geographic Origin

In-State
92.0%(875)
Out-of-State
6.5%(62)
International
1.5%(14)

Regional Representation

In-State875

92% of student body

Out-of-State62

7% of student body

International14

1% of student body

States Represented

29 states are represented on campus.

Diversity Metrics

Ethnic Diversity

40%

Students of Color

Gender Balance

56%

Female Students

Global Reach

1%

International

Age Diversity

14%

Non-Traditional Age

Western Illinois University - Demographics & Diversity