Academic Comparison between Illinois State and IWU

Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Illinois State is a four-year, public school located in Normal, IL and IWU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Bloomington, IL.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Illinois State is a public and IWU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • IWU has more expensive tuition & fees ($57,704) than Illinois State ($26,058).
  • It is harder to admit to IWU than Illinois State.
  • IWU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,100) than Illinois State (1,100).
  • IWU has higher submitted ACT score (24) than Illinois State (24).
  • Illinois State has more students with 21,546 students while IWU has 1,582 students.
  • IWU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Illinois State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Illinois State has more full-time faculties with 907 faculties while IWU has 108 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Illinois State Universityvs.Illinois Wesleyan University
Normal, IllinoisLocationBloomington, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Diverse Fields
In-State$14,410
Out-Of-State$26,058
2025 Tuition & Fees$57,704
83%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$12,056Average Amount of Financial Aid$38,601
88.15 %Acceptance Rates39.31 %
22.53 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.27 %
1,100SAT Score1,240
24ACT Score29
65 %Graduation Rate75 %
-Transfer-out Rate19 %
81 %Retention Rate80 %
21,546Student Population1,582
907Number of Faculties108
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services