Northern Illinois University and Illinois Wesleyan University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northern Illinois is a four-year, public school located in Dekalb, IL and IWU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Bloomington, IL.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| Northern Illinois University | vs. | Illinois Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| Dekalb, Illinois | Location | Bloomington, Illinois |
| Four-year, Public | School Type | four-year, Private (not-for-profit) |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Bachelor's degree |
| Research University (high research activity) | Carnegie Classification | Baccalaureate College - Diverse Fields |
In-State$13,060
Out-Of-State$13,060 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | $57,704 |
| 86% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 100% |
| $12,589 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $38,601 |
| 69.79 % | Acceptance Rates | 39.31 % |
| 12.06 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 12.27 % |
| - | SAT Score | 1,240 |
| - | ACT Score | 29 |
| 49 % | Graduation Rate | 75 % |
| - | Transfer-out Rate | 19 % |
| 70 % | Retention Rate | 80 % |
| 15,414 | Student Population | 1,582 |
| 820 | Number of Faculties | 108 |
| 15 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 12 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services |