About Wheaton College
Students pay an average net price of $26,984 after aid, which makes Wheaton more affordable than its $43,930 sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $63,756 ten years after college with typical debt of $23,250, meaning most can manage their monthly loan payments of $246. The 87% graduation rate shows students finish what they start here, and 96% find employment after graduation.
The student body draws from across the country, with only 23% coming from Illinois. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes and personal attention from professors. With 17 varsity sports and 467 total athletes competing in Division III, about one in four students plays a sport.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 87.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.6%
- Retention Rate
- 93.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,756
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $57,318 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $49,683 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $48,667 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $45,696 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $39,049 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $39,009 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,856 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
Campus Life
Winters here are real. You'll need a heavy coat for the Illinois cold, but the campus stays active year-round. The school's Christian foundation shapes daily life in ways both obvious and subtle. Chapel attendance is required, and faith discussions happen naturally in dorms and dining halls. With 467 students playing varsity sports across 17 teams, athletic events draw crowds on weekends. The Thunder compete in Division III, so games feel more like community gatherings than massive spectacles. Students often head into Chicago for concerts or museums, but plenty stay on campus for movie nights, coffee shop conversations, and the kind of deep friendships that come from sharing both academic and spiritual growth.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,116 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1834
Campus Safety (2023)
25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Rape | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–30°F
- July Avg
- 61°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 77.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.7%
- Women
- 55.3%
- White
- 68.3%
- Black
- 2.6%
- Hispanic
- 8.0%
- Asian
- 10.1%
- In-State Students
- 23.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.2%
Location
- Address
- Wheaton, Illinois 60187-5593
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,756
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,828
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Wheaton College?
Wheaton College accepts 88% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. Students typically need a 1340 SAT score to be competitive. This evangelical liberal arts college values both academic preparation and commitment to Christian faith.
How much does Wheaton College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Wheaton College is $26,984 annually, despite a sticker price of $57,230. Only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's affluent student body. Graduates typically leave with $23,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $246.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Wheaton College?
Wheaton College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,087 enrolled students. This intimate academic environment supports the school's mission of integrating rigorous liberal arts education with Christian faith. The college is known for producing influential evangelical leaders and maintaining strong academic standards.
What do graduates of Wheaton College earn after graduation?
Wheaton College graduates earn a median salary of $63,756 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96%, reflecting strong career preparation and alumni networks. Notable graduates include evangelist Billy Graham and horror film director Wes Craven, showing the diverse paths students can take.
Where is Wheaton College located and what is campus life like?
Wheaton College sits in suburban Wheaton, Illinois, with housing capacity for 2,116 students covering nearly its entire enrollment. The campus draws students from across the country, with only 23% coming from Illinois. Students participate in 17 Division III varsity sports as the Thunder, competing in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin.
Does Wheaton College require students to be Christian?
Wheaton College operates as an undenominational Christian institution founded in 1834 with the motto 'Christo et Regno Ejus' (For Christ and His Kingdom). The college requires all students to sign a Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. This evangelical foundation shapes both academic curriculum and campus culture, creating a distinctive educational environment focused on faith integration.
