Undergraduate Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Freshman
  • Transfer

Freshman

We have compiled a short list of some of the most frequently asked questions regarding admissions. Please check here for an answer to your question.

What are your freshman admissions requirements?
If I graduate from high school with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science do I apply as a freshman or transfer student? 
  • You would apply as a freshman.
I do not have grades from my second semester of junior year. Can I still apply?
  • Yes! Please apply and then send us a transcript after you complete your junior year. 
I did not take the SAT or ACT. Can I still apply?
  • Yes! WIU is test-optional for high school students and you do not need to submit test scores. If you have a 2.75 GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale), you will be admitted based on the GPA.
Do I need to send a personal statement and letters of recommendation with my application?
  • No, we have a simple application. We just require the application and a copy of your transcript.
How long does it take for my application to be processed?
  • Once we have received all your information, you should receive a response within 2-4 weeks.
How do I check the status of my application?
  • Please call 309-298-3157 or email admissions@wiu.edu to see if all your information has been received and if your file has been processed.
How will I be notified of my acceptance?
  • You will receive an email sent to the email address provided on your application as well as an acceptance piece in the mail.
How do I pay my enrollment deposit? How much is it?
  • Unlike many colleges, Western does not have an enrollment deposit. Please sign up for Registration 101 and complete a Housing contract to let us know you are planning on attending.
Do I have to commit by May 1?
  • No. You may commit to WIU at any time.
  • We encourage you to indicate your Intent to Enroll in your STARS portal and then sign up for Registration 101.
What do I need to do to let Western know that I plan on attending after I am accepted?
  • In your STARS account, please indicate "Yes" as your intent to enroll. Then, follow the information in your acceptance materials to sign up for housing and Registration 101. Once you do these two things, we assume you are coming to Western. 
Is it possible to change the semester I start at WIU?
  • Yes, if you want to change your enrollment to a future term, please fill out this form.
Do out-of-state students get in-state tuition rates?
  • Yes! You can attend WIU at the in-state tuition rate and will not pay out-of-state tuition rates.
How much are tuition and other costs?
  • WIU has among the lowest tuition rate of any public university in Illinois. We also provide in-state tuition rates to out-of-state students. View WIU's cost website.
Does Western accept Advanced Placement (AP) classes?
  • Yes! WIU awards credit to students who complete AP exams with a score of 3 or higher. See the score requirements for each subject here.
Do I have to live on the Macomb campus?
  • Undergraduate students at WIU are required to live on the Macomb campus for 4 semesters or at least 60 credit hours. To petition for exceptions, visit the housing webpage.
Can I bring a car to the Macomb campus?
  • Yes, anyone can have a car on campus. View more information on parking at WIU.
Can I attend the Quad Cities campus as a freshman?
  • Yes, students may enroll as a freshman at WIU-Quad Cities. WIU-QC offers 20 majors on campus and more that are available as online-only options. Please see the list of academic programs available at WIU-QC.
    • Pick the pathway that is best for you:
      • Freshman - students must meet freshman admission requirements to enroll at WIU-QC.
      • Linkages Program - qualified students take one class at WIU-Quad Cities per semester, and the rest of their general education at a participating community college.

Transfer

We have compiled a short list of some of the most frequently asked questions by transfer students. Please check here for an answer to your question.

What are your transfer requirements?
Do I have to send my college transcripts from each college I have attended?
  • Yes, we might evaluate your credits differently than your previous college did. Please have your transcripts sent electronically to admissions@wiu.edu or mailed to:

    Undergraduate Admissions
    1 University Circle
    Macomb, IL 61455

  • We will also accept unofficial transcripts for an initial admissions decision. You can go to your student portal and send a grade report or provide an unofficial copy you have in your possession. You will need to send official copies before you can register for classes.
How long does it take for my application to be processed?
  • Once we have received all your information you should receive a decision within 2-4 weeks.
How do I check the status of my application?
  • Please call 309-298-3157 or email transfer@wiu.edu to see if all your information has been received and if your file has been processed.
How will I be notified of my acceptance?
  • You will receive an email sent to the address provided on your application as well as an acceptance piece in the mail.
Is it possible to change the semester I start at WIU?
  • Yes, if you want to change your enrollment to a future term, please fill out this form.
My college switched to a pass/fail grading system for Spring 2020. How will that impact my admission?
  • If you received a "P" grade, that will count toward the hours required for admission. It will not impact the GPA. A course with a grade of 'P' will transfer to WIU as an 'S' grade.
How much is tuition and other costs?
Can I bring a car to campus?
Who is my academic advisor?
  • Log in to your STARS account and look on your next steps page. Your advisor is listed underneath the Class Registration heading.