Academic Comparison between Wheaton and Illinois State

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

  • Wheaton is a private (not-for-profit) and Illinois State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Wheaton has more expensive tuition & fees ($45,546) than Illinois State ($26,058).
  • It is harder to admit to Wheaton than Illinois State.
  • Wheaton has a higher submitted SAT score (1,380) than Illinois State (1,100).
  • Wheaton has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Illinois State (24).
  • Illinois State has more students with 21,546 students while Wheaton has 2,874 students.
  • Wheaton has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Illinois State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Illinois State has more full-time faculties with 907 faculties while Wheaton has 193 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Wheaton Collegevs.Illinois State University
Wheaton, IllinoisLocationNormal, Illinois
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$45,5462025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,410
Out-Of-State$26,058
92%% Receiving Financial Aid83%
$24,496Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,056
87.40 %Acceptance Rates88.15 %
29.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.53 %
1,380SAT Score1,100
30ACT Score24
85 %Graduation Rate65 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate81 %
2,874Student Population21,546
193Number of Faculties907
10 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare