Macomb is a small town in west-central Illinois, ringed by corn and soybean fields. Western Illinois University, founded in 1899, is best known for its law enforcement and justice administration programme, one of the largest of its kind in the US. It also teaches business, computer science, agriculture and recreation, park and tourism administration. Costs are low by American standards.
Macomb, Illinois, United States
Official website: wiu.edu
Public university in Illinois
1899
Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
$10,000 – $15,000
International students, undergraduate and graduate
$9,000 – $12,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on wiu.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
MS Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
BS Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
One of the largest law enforcement and justice administration programmes in the US.
Low tuition and living costs.
A quiet college town in rural Illinois.
LEJA graduates work in policing, corrections and security, though many US agency jobs require citizenship.
STEM master's graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Business and computing graduates find jobs in Chicago, Peoria and the Quad Cities.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Campus has residence halls, a big student recreation centre and Hanson Field, all within walking or cycling distance of the town square.
Macomb is small, safe and very cheap. Amtrak trains reach Chicago in about four hours, and the Quad Cities are roughly 90 minutes north by road.
Form I-20 issued by Western Illinois University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
WIU reviews applications on a rolling basis. International students should apply by May for fall and October for spring to allow time for the I-20 and visa interview.
Most programmes start in fall (August) and spring (January).
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Western Illinois University first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Law enforcement and justice administration, computer science, applied statistics and the MBA are popular. Graduate programmes need a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 79.
WIU offers international scholarships based on academic results, and graduate assistantships are available in many departments.
