At $29,550/yr net price, Illinois Wesleyan University graduates earn $70,871/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $36,871/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,550 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $118,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $70,871/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$36,871/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 82.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,011/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,494/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,284/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,757/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,699/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $62,792 | $26,967 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,775 | $27,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $50,356 | $26,495 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
82.5% of students at Illinois Wesleyan University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Illinois Wesleyan University delivers solid financial returns for a small liberal arts college, with graduates earning a median $70,871 annually ten years after graduation against manageable debt loads of $27,000. The school's 82.5% graduation rate means you're likely to finish your degree, avoiding the financial disaster of college debt without credentials.
Accounting and nursing programs offer the strongest financial outcomes, with both majors earning over $62,000 annually. Economics also performs well at $61,516, making it a smart choice for liberal arts students seeking financial security. Business and finance majors see more modest returns around $50,000, which may not justify the full cost of attendance for budget-conscious families.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its limited financial aid reach. Only 23% of students receive need-based aid, signaling that Illinois Wesleyan expects families to pay most costs out of pocket. This makes the school financially viable primarily for middle-to-upper-middle-class families who don't qualify for significant aid but can handle the $29,550 annual net price.
You should consider Illinois Wesleyan if your family can afford the sticker price and you're targeting accounting, nursing, or economics. The small class sizes and alumni networks in Illinois and surrounding states provide value beyond the raw earnings data. Skip this school if you need substantial financial aid or plan to major in lower-earning liberal arts fields where the debt-to-income ratio becomes problematic. The school works best for students who can graduate debt-free or with minimal borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois Wesleyan University worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $29,550 and median earnings of $70,871 after 10 years, Illinois Wesleyan provides decent returns but not exceptional value. The high graduation rate of 82.5% helps justify costs, though you'll likely graduate with around $27,000 in debt.
What are the best paying majors at Illinois Wesleyan University?
Accounting leads at $62,792 annually, followed closely by nursing at $62,775. Economics graduates earn $61,516, while business and finance majors see lower returns around $50,000-$53,000.
How much debt do Illinois Wesleyan University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable given the school's decent earning outcomes. Most graduates can reasonably pay this off within 10-15 years if they stick to career-relevant fields.
Does Illinois Wesleyan University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $29,550 suggests moderate financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. However, this still represents a significant investment that requires careful consideration of your intended major and career goals.