Overview
Illinois Wesleyan University is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Bloomington, Illinois. The school accepts 42.2% of applicants and enrolls 1,570 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 42.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,225
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,120–1,330
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 28
- Total Enrollment
- 1,570
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Illinois Wesleyan accepts the Common Application but requires no supplemental essays, making your Common App personal statement and activities list carry extra weight. Your essay needs to reveal something specific about your character or growth that your grades and test scores cannot.
The school's small size means admissions officers will read your application thoroughly, so authentic details matter more than grand statements. Write about concrete experiences that shaped your thinking or sparked genuine interests. Avoid generic topics about overcoming challenges unless you can tie them directly to how you'll contribute to campus life.
Illinois Wesleyan operates on a modified block plan called "May Term," where students take intensive one-month courses or complete internships, research projects, or study abroad programs. Mentioning specific May Term opportunities in your application shows you understand what makes this school different. Research faculty members in your intended major and reference their work if it aligns with your interests.
The campus culture centers around close student-faculty relationships and collaborative learning. Students here typically prefer discussion-based classes over large lectures and want professors who know their names. You'll fit well if you learn better through conversation than competition and prefer depth over breadth in your academic pursuits.
Greek life attracts about half the student body, but the system emphasizes service and leadership rather than exclusivity. Music and theater programs are particularly strong, with the School of Music offering both performance and academic tracks. The nursing program maintains partnerships with local hospitals for hands-on clinical experience.
Submit your application by February 15 for regular decision, though earlier submission can improve your chances for merit scholarships. The school awards academic scholarships automatically based on your application, with no separate scholarship application required. If Illinois Wesleyan is your first choice, consider applying Early Action by November 15 for a non-binding early response.
Visit campus if possible, as demonstrated interest matters at this level of selectivity. Attend information sessions, connect with current students in your intended major, and follow up with your admissions counselor. Small schools like Illinois Wesleyan track engagement more closely than large universities.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $29,550/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $55,704
- Students Receiving Aid
- 23%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 82.5%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $70,871/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 84.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Illinois Wesleyan University has adopted a test-optional policy for admissions. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Illinois Wesleyan University?
Illinois Wesleyan University has a rolling admissions policy with priority deadlines of December 1 for merit scholarship consideration and March 1 for regular admission. Applications are accepted until enrollment targets are met.
Does Illinois Wesleyan University offer early decision or early action?
Illinois Wesleyan University does not offer early decision or early action programs. The school operates on a rolling admissions basis with priority deadlines for scholarship consideration.
How many transfer credits does Illinois Wesleyan University accept?
Illinois Wesleyan University requires transfer students to complete at least 32 credit hours at the university to earn a degree. Students must also meet specific GPA requirements and course equivalencies for credit transfer.