Illinois Wesleyan University: 42.2% Acceptance Rate

42.2%Acceptance

$55,704Tuition

1,570Students

83%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$70,871Earnings

#6 in IllinoisPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan draws serious students who want the liberal arts experience without the massive lecture halls. The university enrolls 1,570 students in downtown Bloomington, creating an intimate academic environment where professors actually know your name. With an acceptance rate of 42%, IWU attracts students who scored around 1225 on the SAT and are ready for rigorous coursework. The school has built its reputation on strong programs in business, theater, and pre-professional tracks, particularly for students heading to medical or law school.

The sticker price hits $55,704 for tuition, but most families pay far less thanks to generous financial aid. The average net price drops to $29,550, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt, which becomes manageable when you consider they earn a median of $70,871 ten years after graduation. That debt-to-income ratio suggests IWU delivers solid value for the investment.

The student-faculty ratio of 11:1 means you'll get plenty of individual attention from professors. About 628 students compete in 22 varsity sports as Division III Titans, where athletic passion doesn't require scholarships. The 82.5% six-year graduation rate reflects students who stick around and finish strong.

Academics & Faculty

Illinois Wesleyan stands out as a liberal arts college that combines broad intellectual exploration with pre-professional preparation. The school's 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that helps explain why 81% of students graduate within four years. The college is particularly known for its strong programs in business, theatre arts, and music, with the School of Music earning national recognition. Students benefit from the distinctive 4-1-4 calendar system that includes a month-long winter term for internships, research, or travel courses. With 98.3% of graduates employed or in graduate school, the college successfully bridges liberal arts education with career outcomes. Small class sizes foster close mentoring relationships between professors and students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 55.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 80.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 82.5%
Retention Rate: 84.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $70,871
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$62,792
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$62,775
Economics.	Bachelor	$61,516
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$53,358
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$50,356
Mathematics.	Bachelor	$44,356
Education, General.	Bachelor	$43,426
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.	Bachelor	$42,682
English Language and Literature, General.	Bachelor	$42,682
Sociology.	Bachelor	$36,674

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life centers around Illinois Wesleyan's compact 79-acre campus in Bloomington, a college town about two hours south of Chicago. With 85% of students living on campus in residence halls that house 1,336 students, the community feels tight-knit despite the 1,570 total enrollment. You'll definitely need a winter coat for Illinois winters, which can drop well below freezing with snow from December through February.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the liberal arts focus creates an intellectually curious atmosphere. Students balance academics with Division III athletics, where 628 students compete across 22 varsity sports as the Titans. The school's 4-1-4 calendar system gives students a month-long January term for study abroad, internships, or intensive courses. Weekends often revolve around campus events, since 77.55% of students come from Illinois and many stay on campus. Greek life provides social opportunities, while the proximity to Illinois State University adds to Bloomington's college town energy. Students frequently make the drive to Chicago for internships and weekend trips.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,336 beds
Calendar System: Four-One-Four
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1850

Campus Safety (2023)

10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Fondling	2	2	0	0
Rape	2	1	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 15°–33°F
July Avg: 63°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.4"
Annual Snowfall: 20.1"

Student Demographics

Illinois Wesleyan draws primarily from Illinois, with over three-quarters of students calling the Prairie State home. The student body reflects the school's strong regional reputation and accessible liberal arts mission. Nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to economic diversity. The gender split runs almost even, typical of full liberal arts colleges that attract students across disciplines. White students make up about two-thirds of campus, while Black and Hispanic students each represent roughly one in ten students, creating meaningful diversity within the close-knit community of 1,570 undergraduates.

Men: 51.9%
Women: 48.2%
White: 65.8%
Black: 8.4%
Hispanic: 10.2%
Asian: 5.7%
In-State Students: 77.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.2%

Location

Illinois Wesleyan sits in Bloomington, Illinois, about 130 miles southwest of Chicago and 165 miles northeast of St. Louis. The university shares this college town of roughly 78,000 with Illinois State University, creating a active academic atmosphere. Bloomington-Normal forms the heart of central Illinois farming country, surrounded by corn and soybean fields stretching to the horizon. The twin cities offer more amenities than typical small college towns, with restaurants, shops, and cultural venues serving both universities' combined student populations of over 20,000. Students get a classic Midwest college experience without big city distractions. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Illinois Wesleyan with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bloomington, Illinois 61702-2900

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $70,871
Median Earnings (5 years): $66,515
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $43,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 84.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Illinois Wesleyan University?

Illinois Wesleyan accepts 42.22% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a liberal arts college. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1120-1330 on the SAT, reflecting the university's reputation for attracting academically strong students to its rigorous programs.

How much does Illinois Wesleyan University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $29,550, lower than the sticker price of $69,434. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $21,011, while those from higher-income families ($110K+) pay around $35,699 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Illinois Wesleyan University?

The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, ensuring small class sizes typical of top liberal arts colleges. With only 1,570 students total, Illinois Wesleyan is known for close mentoring relationships between professors and students across its comprehensive academic programs.

How much do Illinois Wesleyan University graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $70,871 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The university's emphasis on liberal arts education combined with career preparation helps explain why 98.3% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months.

Where do Illinois Wesleyan University students live?

The university houses 1,336 students in campus residence halls, accommodating most of its 1,570 total enrollment. Located in Bloomington, Illinois, the campus creates a tight-knit community where 84.55% of students return for sophomore year.

Does Illinois Wesleyan University offer athletic scholarships?

$0 in athletic scholarships are awarded because the university competes in NCAA Division III. However, 628 students participate in 22 varsity sports as members of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin, emphasizing athletics as part of the well-rounded liberal arts experience.