Academic Comparison between IWU and Northern Illinois

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

  • IWU is a private (not-for-profit) and Northern Illinois is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • IWU has more expensive tuition & fees ($57,704) than Northern Illinois ($13,060).
  • It is harder to admit to IWU than Northern Illinois.
  • Northern Illinois has more students with 15,414 students while IWU has 1,582 students.
  • IWU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Northern Illinois's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Northern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 820 faculties while IWU has 108 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Illinois Wesleyan Universityvs.Northern Illinois University
Bloomington, IllinoisLocationDekalb, Illinois
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Diverse FieldsCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$57,7042025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$13,060
Out-Of-State$13,060
100%% Receiving Financial Aid86%
$38,601Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,589
39.31 %Acceptance Rates69.79 %
12.27 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.06 %
1,240SAT Score-
29ACT Score-
75 %Graduation Rate49 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate-
80 %Retention Rate70 %
1,582Student Population15,414
108Number of Faculties820
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare