Academic Comparison between Western Illinois and IWU

Western Illinois University and Illinois Wesleyan University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Western Illinois is a four-year, public school located in Macomb, 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.

  • Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois ($14,572).
  • It is harder to admit to IWU than Western Illinois.
  • Western Illinois has more students with 6,332 students while IWU has 1,582 students.
  • Western Illinois has more full-time faculties with 434 faculties while IWU has 108 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Illinois Universityvs.Illinois Wesleyan University
Macomb, IllinoisLocationBloomington, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Diverse Fields
In-State$14,572
Out-Of-State$14,572
2025 Tuition & Fees$57,704
62%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$12,943Average Amount of Financial Aid$38,601
71.18 %Acceptance Rates39.31 %
10.27 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.27 %
-SAT Score1,240
-ACT Score29
45 %Graduation Rate75 %
31 %Transfer-out Rate19 %
61 %Retention Rate80 %
6,332Student Population1,582
434Number of Faculties108
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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