Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) vs U of Richmond
Envision yourself pursuing higher education at either Illinois Wesleyan University or the University of Richmond, two esteemed institutions with distinct characteristics. Illinois Wesleyan, nestled in the heart of Bloomington, Illinois, boasts a tight-knit community and a focus on undergraduate education, reflected in its acceptance rate of 72%. In contrast, the University of Richmond, situated in the historic city of Richmond, Virginia, offers a more diverse student body and a wider range of graduate programs, evident in its lower acceptance rate of 34%. While both universities excel in the liberal arts, Illinois Wesleyan is renowned for its strong programs in biology, chemistry, and psychology, while the University of Richmond shines in business, economics, and international studies. Explore the detailed comparison table to uncover further distinctions between these two exceptional universities and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Illinois Wesleyan University |
![]() University of Richmond |
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Overview |
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Location | Bloomington, Illinois | University of Richmond, Virginia |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | 4-1-4 | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 85.0% | 92.0% |
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Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 45.2% | 28.8% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
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SAT range | 1110 - 1310 | N/A |
ACT range | 24 - 29 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 33.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 31.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 4,543 | 13,955 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,055 | 4,015 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 432 | 876 |
Yield rate | 21.0% | 21.8% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $67,124 | $74,590 |
Average net price | $30,610 | $28,881 |
Tuition | $52,308 | $58,570 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,584
Meal plan:
$4,528
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Room/dormitory:
$6,550
Meal plan:
$7,400
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $34,810 |
61.0%
Average amount $43,905 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
68.0%
Average amount $5,692 |
32.0%
Average amount $4,957 |
Students taking out private loans |
35.0%
Average amount $6,781 |
4.0%
Average amount $29,516 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,653
Men 49.4% Women 50.6% |
3,166
Men 46.8% Women 53.2% |
Graduate students | N/A |
724
Men 38.5% Women 61.5% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 81.9% |
International students | 3.4% | 9.5% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 1,308 | 2,875 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Virginia New York New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 12:1 | 8:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 81.1% | 89.2% |
Dropout rate | 18.7% | 10.6% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Music (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
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