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Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU), founded in 1850, is a private liberal arts university located in Bloomington, Illinois. This institution offers a wide array of over 100 majors, minors, and programs. As an exclusively undergraduate university, it places a strong emphasis on broad-based education and student success.


Overview of Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU)


The university's campus spans 80 acres and is situated in an urban environment. Notable facilities include 54 buildings, which house both academic and residential spaces. The Ames Library, completed in 2002, is a highlight of the campus, boasting over 368,000 volumes and special collections.

With a vibrant campus life, Illinois Wesleyan supports more than 100 student organizations. These groups offer numerous opportunities for you to engage in leadership, service, and recreational activities. The residential aspect of the campus encourages community building among students.

In terms of financial resources, the university maintains a significant endowment of over $262 million. The institution’s commitment to maintaining quality infrastructure is evident in its plant valuation of approximately $416 million.

Regarding online learning, while Illinois Wesleyan primarily focuses on in-person instruction due to its undergraduate nature. Certain programs may provide digital resources or options for remote learning; however, the majority of courses and activities are designed to be experienced within the campus setting.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the university ensures high standards of education. This accreditation supports the university’s reputation as a respected institution within the academic community.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting City: Small
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 11:1
Graduation Rate 79%
Year Founded 1850

Student Enrollment


Total Students1,527

Undergraduate
1,527
Graduate
0

Undergraduate Student

Male 779
779
Female 748
748

Graduate Student

Male 0
0
Female 0
0

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Top Rankings For Illinois Wesleyan University


IWU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS4,408

Male 2,197
Female 2,209

ACCEPTANCE1,851

Male 879
Female 972

Acceptance Rate42%

Male 40%
Female 44%

Enrollment 389

Male 211
Female 165
Admissions
Application Fee N/A
High School GPA NOT REQUIRED, BUT CONSIDERED
High School Rank NOT REQUIRED, BUT CONSIDERED
High School Transcripts REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED
College Prep Courses NOT REQUIRED, BUT CONSIDERED
Recommendations REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED
Formal demonstration of competencies REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED
Work experience NOT REQUIRED, BUT CONSIDERED
Personal statement or essay NOT REQUIRED, BUT CONSIDERED
Legacy status NOT REQUIRED, BUT CONSIDERED
SAT/ACT NOT REQUIRED, BUT CONSIDERED (TEST OPTIONAL)
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc) NOT CONSIDERED
English Proficiency Test REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED
Application Deadline Rolling
Common Application Accepted Yes

IWU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


At Illinois Wesleyan University, tuition for the 2023-24 academic year was $55,704. This is higher than the national average, but may reflect the university's commitment to providing quality education. Part-time students pay $7,188 per course unit, or opt for a reduced rate of $1,794 per single course.

If you're considering summer enrollment, the tuition per course unit is $1,350, with an option to audit courses for $338.

Room and board are estimated to add approximately $12,930 to your annual expenses. And you should plan to spend around $800 for books and supplies. For meals, an Optional Commuter Meal Plan offers convenience and flexibility. Additionally, certain fees totaling around $204 may apply.

Illinois Wesleyan offers several payment plans to help manage these expenses. You can consider options such as the 10-month payment plan, splitting your financial obligations into more manageable monthly installments.

Always consult with the financial aid office to explore scholarships like Talent Scholarship Awards or National Merit Scholarships. They add value to your investment and can further reduce costs.

Average net price 2021-2022
Net Price $30,096
Average Total Aid $36,614
Students Receiving Financial Aid 100%
Room & Board $12,418

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $53,814
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $53,814
  • Books and Supplies - $800
  • Room & Board - $12,418
  • Other - $1,700

Popular Academic Programs at IWU


At Illinois Wesleyan University, you can explore over 100 majors, minors, and programs. This diverse range includes highly regarded pre-professional programs and fields like business, fine arts, and nursing. The liberal arts curriculum offers you a broad-based education, fostering not only depth but also flexibility in your academic pursuits.

The university's small student-faculty ratio of 11:1 ensures personalized attention, enhancing your learning experience. About 60.6% of classes have fewer than 20 students, allowing for lively discussions and closer interactions with faculty. This setup is ideal for those who thrive in intimate educational settings.

Popular majors at Illinois Wesleyan include biology, business, and music. These disciplines not only attract a significant number of students but also reflect the university's strengths in combining rigorous academic training with practical, real-world applications.

Academic success is evident in the university's high retention and graduation rates. An emphasis on student support and a vibrant campus life contribute to these outcomes, ensuring that you are well-prepared for future challenges.

Illinois Wesleyan's commitment to fostering a rich educational environment is clear in its dedication to undergraduate success. With over 100 student organizations, you have numerous opportunities to engage beyond the classroom, enriching both your academic and personal development.

Student Population Total


Student Population 1,527

Undergraduate
1,527
Graduate
0
Evening Classes : No
Distance Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 108 Total Graduates / 28%
Business/Commerce, General 36 Graduates
Finance, General 28 Graduates
Accounting 19 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 13 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Programs 53 Total Graduates / 14%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 53 Graduates
Biological and Biomedical Sciences 36 Total Graduates / 9%
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 26 Graduates
Neuroscience 6 Graduates
Biochemistry 4 Graduates
Visual and Performing Arts 32 Total Graduates / 8%
Musical Theatre 9 Graduates
Acting 6 Graduates
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology 6 Graduates
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General 2 Graduates
Music Performance, General 2 Graduates
Music Theory and Composition 2 Graduates
Voice and Opera 2 Graduates
Psychology 31 Total Graduates / 8%
Psychology, General 31 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 32%

Outcome & Salary


When you graduate from Illinois Wesleyan University, you can expect strong career outcomes. The university offers robust job placement programs that help connect you with potential employers in various fields.

In terms of retention, the rate stands at 85%. This high percentage reflects the university's supportive environment, ensuring that you receive the guidance needed to complete your degree.

Graduation Rates are a key indicator of student success. Illinois Wesleyan boasts an impressive six-year graduation rate of 83%, placing it among the top 15% of colleges. The four-year rate is 76%, showing the university's commitment to helping you graduate on time.

The early career earnings for graduates average around $43,000. Illinois Wesleyan provides a mix of majors, contributing to solid initial salaries for its alumni.

For those pursuing professional certifications, the university's resources and academic programs support a strong pass rate. These results demonstrate the quality of education offered at Illinois Wesleyan, preparing you for success beyond graduation. This welcoming academic environment, equipped with various support systems, ensures you are well-prepared for your career journey.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $67,800
College Grads Average Salary $76,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $119,500
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $760,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,955,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $120,384
10 Year Projected ROI $639,616
20 Year Projected ROI $1,834,616
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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