ż

About ż

About WIU

A University Rooted in Purpose: Driven by You

Immerse yourself in a learning environment shaped around one core mission: to help you succeed. ż (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. ż 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 ż 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

ż 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 ż 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.

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.

ż Online

Leathernecks learn all over the world in ż’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.

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Every aspect of life and learning at ż 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

ż laid its foundations in 1899 as the ż Illinois State Normal School, which became ż Illinois State Teachers College in 1921. As our legacy grew, we took on the mantle of ż Illinois State College in 1947 before finally settling into our most lasting title ten years later: ż.

Initially a small-scale operation, ż 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?

Is ż accredited?

ż 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

ż Kicks Off Exciting Spring Semester

ż Kicks Off Exciting Spring Semester

ż’s Spring 2026 semester is in full swing, and WIU is celebrating new funding for high-impact programming, retention gains, athletic performance, and student achievements. The semester is full of great events that highlight high-achieving WIU students.

WIU to Host Illinois Supreme Court Oral Arguments on March 11

WIU to Host Illinois Supreme Court Oral Arguments on March 11

ż hosts the 2026 installment of the Illinois Supreme Court’s Riding the Circuit program as justices hear oral arguments in two cases beginning 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, in the University Union Grand Ballroom.

WIU Launches “Pick the Pair” Campaign Ahead of The ż Challenge Giving Day

WIU Launches “Pick the Pair” Campaign Ahead of The ż Challenge Giving Day

ż is launching Pick the Pair, a new donor engagement campaign designed to build excitement and community participation leading into The ż Challenge Day of Giving on Friday, April 24.

WIU Announces Spring 2026 Career and Internship Fairs

WIU Announces Spring 2026 Career and Internship Fairs

ż’s Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement and academic departments will host a series of Career and Internship Fairs during the Spring 2026 semester, offering students opportunities to connect with employers, explore career paths and secure internships and full-time positions.

WIU School of Engineering & Technology Hosts Professional Seminar Featuring IMEG ...

WIU School of Engineering & Technology Hosts Professional Seminar Featuring IMEG ...

The ż School of Engineering & Technology will host a professional seminar from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, featuring Matt Dotson, senior geotechnical engineer with IMEG Consultants Corp.