Elmhurst University vs Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU)

Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Illinois, offer distinct educational experiences. Elmhurst, a private university, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to Illinois Wesleyan's 68%. Elmhurst's student body is more diverse, with 33% of students identifying as minorities, while Illinois Wesleyan's student body is predominantly white (83%). Both universities offer a range of popular majors, including Business, Education, and Psychology, but Elmhurst has a slightly higher graduation rate (68%) than Illinois Wesleyan (66%). Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Elmhurst University	Illinois Wesleyan University
Overview
Location	Elmhurst, Illinois	Bloomington, Illinois
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	4-1-4	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	76.0%	85.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Protestant

Admission
Acceptance rate	71.3%	45.2%
Application fees
SAT range	1013 - 1220	1110 - 1310
ACT range	22 - 29	24 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	29.0%	33.0%
Students submitting ACT score	9.0%	31.0%
Total number of applicants	3,762	4,543
Total number of admissions given out	2,682	2,055
Admitted students who chose to enroll	531	432
Yield rate	19.8%	21.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$55,536	$67,124
Average net price	$24,018	$30,610
Tuition	$39,100	$52,308
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,428 Meal plan: $4,544	Room/dormitory: $7,584 Meal plan: $4,528
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $25,993	100.0% Average amount $34,810
Students receiving federal student loan	65.0% Average amount $5,287	68.0% Average amount $5,692
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $15,454	35.0% Average amount $6,781

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,914 Men 38.5% Women 61.5%	1,653 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Graduate students	604 Men 33.8% Women 66.2%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	2.2%	3.4%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	964	1,308
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Psychology Visual & Performing Arts	Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Health Professions Education Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	68.4%	81.1%
Dropout rate	31.6%	18.7%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,839 Year 2: $81,997 Year 3: $88,790 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,792 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $86,731 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,229 Year 2: $63,832 Year 3: $66,861 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,535 Year 2: $54,209 Year 3: $65,150 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,244 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $64,665 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,014 Year 2: $51,690 Year 3: $60,665 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $59,776 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,970 Year 2: $36,401 Year 3: $54,414 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,672 Year 2: $45,383 Year 3: $54,289 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,194 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $48,489	Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,305 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $77,743 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,838 Year 2: $62,792 Year 3: $73,001 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,460 Year 2: $62,775 Year 3: $69,764 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,302 Year 2: $50,356 Year 3: $56,336 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $26,739 Year 3: $46,139 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,272 Year 2: $31,314 Year 3: $39,988 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $18,075 Year 2: $20,140 Year 3: $30,321 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: N/A Music (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $27,439 Year 3: N/A Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $36,674 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University?

Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, offering a blend of a smaller campus feel with easy access to a major metropolitan area. Illinois Wesleyan University, on the other hand, is situated in Bloomington, Illinois, a more self-contained city, providing a traditional, close-knit college town experience. Elmhurst offers the advantages of urban proximity, while Illinois Wesleyan provides a more focused campus environment.
How do the academic reputations of Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University compare?

Both Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University are well-regarded institutions. Illinois Wesleyan is often recognized for its strong liberal arts focus, particularly in performing arts and sciences. Elmhurst University is known for its professional programs, such as nursing and business, and its strong ties to the Chicago business community. The 'best' reputation depends on your specific academic interests.
What is the typical student body size and student-to-faculty ratio at each university?

Elmhurst University generally has a larger student body than Illinois Wesleyan University. This can translate to larger class sizes in some introductory courses. Illinois Wesleyan typically boasts a lower student-to-faculty ratio, potentially offering more personalized attention from professors. Check the universities' websites for the most up-to-date statistics.
How do the costs of attending Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University compare, including tuition, fees, and room and board?

Tuition and fees can vary between Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University. Illinois Wesleyan is often perceived as having a higher sticker price, but both institutions offer financial aid and scholarships. It's crucial to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) for each university based on your individual financial situation. Visit their financial aid websites and use their net price calculators.
What are the most popular majors offered at Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University?

Elmhurst University is known for its strong programs in Nursing, Business Administration, Education, and Communication. Illinois Wesleyan University excels in Performing Arts (Music, Theatre), Biology, Business, and Political Science. Consider which university's strengths align best with your academic goals.
What types of extracurricular activities and campus life experiences are available at each university?

Both Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, sports, and Greek life. Elmhurst benefits from its proximity to Chicago, offering opportunities for internships and cultural experiences. Illinois Wesleyan provides a more concentrated campus life with a strong emphasis on student involvement and leadership development. Explore their websites to see a full list of clubs and organizations.
How do Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University support career development and job placement for their graduates?

Both universities have career services offices that provide resources such as resume workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Elmhurst University leverages its location near Chicago to connect students with internship and job opportunities in the city. Illinois Wesleyan University emphasizes networking and alumni connections to help students find employment after graduation. Research their career services websites for specific programs and resources.
What are the athletic programs like at Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University?

Both Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University offer a variety of NCAA Division III athletic programs. Illinois Wesleyan University has a strong reputation in athletics, particularly in basketball and football. Elmhurst University also offers a competitive athletic environment. If you're an athlete, research the specific programs and coaching staff at each university to see which best fits your needs.
What are the admission requirements and acceptance rates for Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University?

Admission requirements for both Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University typically include high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though many schools are test-optional), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Acceptance rates can vary, so check the universities' websites for the most up-to-date information. Illinois Wesleyan may have a slightly more selective admissions process.
What are the main similarities between Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University?

Both Elmhurst University and Illinois Wesleyan University are private, liberal arts-focused institutions in Illinois. They both offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, a commitment to student success, and a vibrant campus life. Both also emphasize a personalized learning environment, although the scale and specific focus may differ.

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