Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan University is a private nonprofit university in Bloomington, IL ranked #409 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 1,582 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 39.3%. Students most often pursue Finance and Financial Management Services and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 80.0% first-year retention, and 74.7% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $28,199, about $11,201 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.3%, roughly 135.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $56,082. That's about $12,394 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Illinois Wesleyan University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Illinois Wesleyan University graduates 74.7% of students within six years and keeps 80.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Illinois Wesleyan University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $57,704 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,370 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,700 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $70,700 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 26.3% of Illinois Wesleyan University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,732 to $37,104 depending on family income. Use Illinois Wesleyan University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,396/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $37,104/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $56,082
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,082
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $23,221
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 84.4%
- Employment Rate 94.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Illinois Wesleyan University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Illinois Wesleyan University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Illinois Wesleyan University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Illinois Wesleyan University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Illinois Wesleyan University graduates earn $56,082 median, the -50.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 550-670
- SAT Math 570-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 25-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,582
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 80.0%
- Graduation Rate 74.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Illinois Wesleyan University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Illinois Wesleyan University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 39.3%, Illinois Wesleyan University is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Illinois Wesleyan University accepts 39.3% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1120 and 1340 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Illinois Wesleyan University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Accounting and Related Services, and Business/Commerce, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 11.3%
- Accounting and Related Services 10.0%
- Business/Commerce, General 8.8%
- Biology, General 5.9%
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 5.7%
- Psychology, General 5.0%
See more majors
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.3%
- Marketing 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Finance and Financial Management Services $102,441
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $96,598
- 3. Economics $92,056
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $83,724
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $80,063
- 6. Biology, General $65,129
- 7. Psychology, General $57,514
- 8. Marketing $56,684
- 9. Sociology $52,988
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $44,923
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Finance and Financial Management Services grads earn $102,441—128% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,923). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Illinois Wesleyan University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 50 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 44 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (39 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Business/Commerce, General
- Biology, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Music
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Literature
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- History
- Philosophy
- International/Global Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- International Business
- Education, General
- Chemistry
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Anthropology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- English Language and Literature, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,582
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 50.4%
- Female Students 49.6%
- Caucasian 63.9%
- Asian 5.5%
- Hispanic 11.7%
- Black 8.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 26.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Illinois Wesleyan University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Illinois Wesleyan University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Illinois Wesleyan University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Illinois Wesleyan University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Illinois Wesleyan University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Illinois Wesleyan University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Illinois Wesleyan University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -50.3% ROI. Ranked #409 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $28,199 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $56,082 median earnings. With 74.7% graduating within six years and 80.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Illinois Wesleyan University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #409 ranking, Illinois Wesleyan University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $28,199 annually, Illinois Wesleyan University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 80.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $19,739 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -50.3% ROI and $56,082 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $18,199+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Illinois Wesleyan University ranks #409 of 1942 institutions, with 1099 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 74.7% six-year graduation rate sits 12.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 80.0% first-year retention is 3.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -50.3% return on investment is 135.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $56,082 run about 28% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $28,199 is roughly $8,182 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 80.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 94.1% employment rate within three years sits 25.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $28,199 is about $8,182 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 26.3% trails the national share by 8.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Illinois Wesleyan University is a private nonprofit university based in Bloomington, IL and earns a B+ overall grade. It holds a #409 national ranking Category results include Completion (A-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (A-), and Affordability (C).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 80.0% of first-year students return, and roughly 74.7% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -50.3%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $28,199 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $70,700.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $42,501 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $23,221 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 26.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $56,082 at the median. That sits about 28% above the national median.
Roughly 94.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -50.3% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
39.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Illinois Wesleyan University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
- Website www.iwu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$262.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate19.0%