Illinois Wesleyan University
The Vibe Check
Illinois Wesleyan feels like a close-knit liberal arts community where professors know your name and peers collaborate rather than compete. The campus is a beautiful 85-acre oasis of red-brick buildings and green spaces in a mid-sized city, fostering a balance of academic focus and relaxed Midwestern friendliness.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
IWU is renowned for its strong programs in the arts and sciences, particularly in business, visual arts, and biology, with a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on research and creative projects. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors who are dedicated teachers first, and students often present research at regional and national conferences.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Bloomington
Bloomington offers a charming downtown with local cafes, the historic Castle Theatre for live music, and the Constitution Trail for biking and running. Students enjoy proximity to Chicago and St. Louis for weekend trips, plus community events like the Sweet Corn Festival and farmers' markets.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($70,871):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is generally considered safe with 24/7 security patrols and an active campus safety program. Bloomington is a peaceful Midwestern city with low violent crime rates, though standard urban precautions are advised.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High graduation and retention rates indicate strong student satisfaction and support.
- ✓ Personalized learning with small classes and accessible faculty.
- ✓ Strong alumni network and career outcomes in business and the arts.
Cons
- ✗ High tuition cost even after aid, which may require significant loans.
- ✗ Small enrollment size limits diversity and variety in campus activities.
- ✗ Rural central Illinois location may feel isolated for students seeking a bustling urban environment.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Illinois Wesleyan is known for its strengths in visual and performing arts, business and marketing, and health professions, with a liberal arts core that integrates research and experiential learning. It also boasts a beautiful campus and a close-knit community that fosters personal growth and leadership.
It has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 45.17%, meaning about half of applicants are admitted. The average SAT score is 1242, so aiming for scores in this range or higher, along with strong essays and extracurriculars, improves your chances significantly.
Campus life is intimate and engaging, with over 120 student organizations, Division III athletics, and frequent arts performances. Students describe it as supportive and collaborative, with easy access to Bloomington's amenities while maintaining a tight residential community feel.
While the net price is around $29,550, the 80.9% graduation rate and median 10-year earnings of $70,871 make it a worthwhile investment for many, especially in high-demand fields like business. However, it's best for those who maximize aid and scholarships to minimize debt.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1850
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,579
- In-State Tuition $55,704
- Zip Code 61702
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price of over $55,000 but an average net price of $29,550 after aid, IWU can be a solid value for families who qualify for scholarships. The strong 80.9% graduation rate and 10-year median earnings of $70,871 suggest a positive return on investment for graduates entering fields like business or health professions.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.