Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) vs Hamilton College

Envision yourself pursuing higher education at either Illinois Wesleyan University or Hamilton College, two esteemed institutions with distinct characteristics. Illinois Wesleyan, nestled in the heart of Bloomington, Illinois, boasts a welcoming community and a strong liberal arts curriculum. Hamilton, situated in the picturesque town of Clinton, New York, offers a rigorous academic experience complemented by a vibrant campus life. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, embarking on a journey toward a fulfilling and transformative educational experience.

	Hamilton College	Illinois Wesleyan University
Overview
Location	Clinton, New York	Bloomington, Illinois
Campus setting	Suburb: Midsize	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	94.0%	85.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	14.1%	45.2%
Application fees	$60
SAT range	1410 - 1540	1110 - 1310
ACT range	33 - 35	24 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%	33.0%
Students submitting ACT score	20.0%	31.0%
Total number of applicants	9,380	4,543
Total number of admissions given out	1,320	2,055
Admitted students who chose to enroll	533	432
Yield rate	40.4%	21.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$76,700	$67,124
Average net price	$26,803	$30,610
Tuition	$59,380	$52,308
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,320 Meal plan: $6,910	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)	55.0% Average amount $47,867	100.0% Average amount $34,810
Students receiving federal student loan	35.0% Average amount $4,331	68.0% Average amount $5,692
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $25,195	35.0% Average amount $6,781

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,055 Men 45.8% Women 54.2%	1,653 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	6.8%	3.4%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	2,057	1,308
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Visual & Performing Arts Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Physical Science Mathematics and Statistics	Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Health Professions Education Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	91.5%	81.1%
Dropout rate	0.8%	18.7%
Transferred out	6.8%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,571 Year 2: $63,501 Year 3: $84,359 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,593 Year 2: $59,045 Year 3: $74,628 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,577 Year 2: $53,894 Year 3: $56,960 Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $51,273 Year 3: N/A Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $24,772 Year 3: N/A International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: N/A Public Policy Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $50,856 Year 3: N/A Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,978 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: N/A Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $30,771 Year 3: N/A	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 setting between Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College?

Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, Illinois, a medium-sized city, offering a blend of urban and suburban experiences. Hamilton College, on the other hand, is situated in Clinton, New York, a small town, providing a more secluded and traditional college town atmosphere. Consider whether you prefer a more bustling environment or a quieter, more focused setting.
How do Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College compare in terms of size and student body?

Illinois Wesleyan University is a smaller institution with an undergraduate enrollment of around 1,650 students, fostering a close-knit community. Hamilton College is slightly larger, with approximately 1,850 undergraduates. Both offer a personalized learning environment, but Illinois Wesleyan's smaller size may lead to even more individualized attention.
What are the primary academic strengths of Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College?

Illinois Wesleyan University is particularly strong in the performing arts (music, theatre), natural sciences, and business. Hamilton College is renowned for its open curriculum, strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with a particular emphasis on writing and communication skills.
How do the academic curricula differ between Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College?

Illinois Wesleyan University has a more structured curriculum with specific general education requirements. Hamilton College offers an open curriculum, allowing students to design their own course of study with minimal required courses outside their chosen major(s). This provides greater flexibility but requires more self-direction.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College, and what does this mean for students?

Both institutions boast low student-faculty ratios. Illinois Wesleyan University has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, while Hamilton College's is 9:1. These low ratios indicate that students can expect smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors at both schools.
How do the costs of attending Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College compare?

The cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, and board) is comparable between Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College. However, both institutions offer financial aid packages. It's crucial to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) for each school based on your individual financial circumstances.
What types of extracurricular activities and campus life experiences are available at Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College?

Both Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, sports, and arts programs. Illinois Wesleyan has a strong focus on performing arts, while Hamilton College has a vibrant debate and speech program. Consider which activities align with your interests and passions.
What are the athletic programs like at Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College?

Illinois Wesleyan University competes in NCAA Division III athletics, with a strong reputation in sports like basketball and football. Hamilton College also competes in NCAA Division III athletics, with a focus on sports like hockey, lacrosse, and squash. Both offer a variety of varsity and intramural sports opportunities.
How do Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College support career development and post-graduation opportunities?

Both Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College have career centers that provide resources such as internships, career counseling, resume workshops, and networking opportunities. Hamilton College's strong alumni network is a significant asset for career advancement. Illinois Wesleyan also has a strong alumni network, particularly in the Midwest.
What are the residential life options like at Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College?

Both Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College offer a variety of residential options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and themed housing. Both institutions emphasize creating a supportive and engaging residential community.
What is the overall academic rigor and selectivity of Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College?

Both Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College are academically rigorous institutions with selective admissions processes. Hamilton College is generally considered slightly more selective. Both schools attract high-achieving students who are motivated to succeed.
How do the campus cultures differ between Illinois Wesleyan University and Hamilton College?

Illinois Wesleyan University is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on community involvement. Hamilton College is known for its intellectual curiosity and its commitment to open dialogue and debate. Consider which campus culture best suits your personality and learning style.

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