Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) vs Wake Forest University (WFU)
Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: Illinois Wesleyan University and Wake Forest University. While both offer exceptional academic experiences, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. Illinois Wesleyan, a private liberal arts college, boasts a tight-knit community and a focus on undergraduate education, while Wake Forest, a private research university, offers a broader range of academic programs and opportunities for graduate study. Dive into our comprehensive comparison table to explore the nuances that set these universities apart, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, ensuring a fulfilling and transformative college experience.
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![]() Illinois Wesleyan University |
![]() Wake Forest University |
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Overview |
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Location | Bloomington, Illinois | Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
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% | 94.0% |
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Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 45.2% | 25.2% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$85
Graduate:
$80
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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 | 15,156 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,055 | 3,816 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 432 | 1,412 |
Yield rate | 21.0% | 37.0% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $67,124 | $79,886 |
Average net price | $30,610 | $24,643 |
Tuition | $52,308 | $58,708 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,584
Meal plan:
$4,528
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Room/dormitory:
$10,144
Meal plan:
$7,870
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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 |
33.0%
Average amount $53,244 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
68.0%
Average amount $5,692 |
17.0%
Average amount $4,985 |
Students taking out private loans |
35.0%
Average amount $6,781 |
3.0%
Average amount $32,719 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,653
Men 49.4% Women 50.6% |
5,472
Men 45.7% Women 54.3% |
Graduate students | N/A |
3,475
Men 42.4% Women 57.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | N/A |
International students | 3.4% | 9.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 1,308 | 4,152 |
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 |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 12:1 | 10:1 |
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% | 90.2% |
Dropout rate | 18.7% | 9.5% |
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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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
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