Moody Bible Institute vs Wheaton College

Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College, both esteemed Christian institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences for students seeking a faith-based education. Moody Bible Institute, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a private Bible college with an acceptance rate of 58%, while Wheaton College, situated in Wheaton, Illinois, is a private liberal arts college with a more selective acceptance rate of 43%. Moody Bible Institute primarily focuses on theological studies, with popular majors including Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry, and Intercultural Studies. Wheaton College, on the other hand, offers a broader range of academic programs, including popular majors such as Business and Economics, Psychology, and Biology. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions between these two institutions, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the best fit for your academic and spiritual journey.
Moody Bible Institute logo

Moody Bible Institute

Wheaton College logo

Wheaton College

Overview

Location Chicago, Illinois Wheaton, Illinois
Campus setting City: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 73.0% 89.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation Interdenominational Undenominational

Admission

Acceptance rate 97.7% 86.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $30
SAT range N/A 1250 - 1430
ACT range N/A 27 - 32
Students submitting SAT score 32.0%
Students submitting ACT score 25.0%
Total number of applicants 298 1,993
Total number of admissions given out 291 1,719
Admitted students who chose to enroll 166 546
Yield rate 57.0% 31.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $32,479 $54,700
Average net price $21,399 $28,319
Tuition $11,840 $40,570
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,970

Meal plan: $5,130
Room/dormitory: $6,640

Meal plan: $4,660
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

86.0%
Average amount $9,690
91.0%
Average amount $23,469
Students receiving federal student loan 44.0%
Average amount $6,918
52.0%
Average amount $5,169
Students taking out private loans 2.0%
Average amount $6,836
5.0%
Average amount $15,404

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,903
Men 51.5% Women 48.5%
2,341
Men 44.9% Women 55.1%
Graduate students 703
Men 62.4% Women 37.6%
706
Men 34.6% Women 65.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 70.3% N/A
International students 9.9% 5.9%
Campus local/setting City: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,107 2,153
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Illinois Virgin Islands Michigan Wisconsin Indiana N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Theology
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Theology
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 11:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 52.6% 87.6%
Dropout rate 28.7% 3.1%
Transferred out 14.2% 9.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $29,411
  • Year 2: $23,649
  • Year 3: $36,975
Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,632
  • Year 2: $31,314
  • Year 3: $34,081
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,753
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $32,312
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $29,204
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $30,933
Religious Education (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,972
  • Year 2: $20,824
  • Year 3: $22,530
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,944
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Bible/Biblical Studies (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $29,685
  • Year 3: N/A
Bible/Biblical Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,141
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $22,988
  • Year 2: $21,166
  • Year 3: N/A
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,836
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,492
  • Year 2: $48,667
  • Year 3: $61,559
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,982
  • Year 2: $37,748
  • Year 3: $48,761
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,694
  • Year 2: $39,009
  • Year 3: $48,539
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,613
  • Year 2: $33,459
  • Year 3: $41,661
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,251
  • Year 2: $37,856
  • Year 3: $41,339
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,767
  • Year 2: $39,049
  • Year 3: $38,775
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $35,864
  • Year 3: $36,928
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,471
  • Year 2: $27,126
  • Year 3: $34,682
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $24,825
  • Year 2: $20,140
  • Year 3: $32,867
Religious Education (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: $31,289

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in academic focus between Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College?

    Moody Bible Institute is primarily focused on biblical studies, ministry training, and practical Christian service. Its programs are designed to equip students for vocational ministry roles. Wheaton College, while also committed to Christian values, offers a broader liberal arts education with a wide range of majors in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Wheaton aims to integrate faith and learning across all disciplines.

  • How do the campus cultures compare at Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College?

    Moody Bible Institute fosters a close-knit community centered around shared faith and a commitment to ministry. The campus environment is intentionally structured to promote spiritual growth and discipleship. Wheaton College also has a strong Christian community, but its campus culture is more diverse in terms of student backgrounds and interests, reflecting its broader academic scope. Wheaton offers a wider array of extracurricular activities and student organizations.

  • What are the differences in admissions requirements between Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College?

    Both Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College require a personal statement of faith as part of the application process. However, Wheaton College's admissions process is generally more competitive, considering factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and extracurricular involvement more heavily. Moody Bible Institute places a greater emphasis on an applicant's demonstrated commitment to Christian service and ministry experience.

  • How do the costs of attending Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College compare?

    Generally, Moody Bible Institute's tuition is lower than Wheaton College's. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as room and board, fees, and financial aid packages. It's important to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) at both institutions to determine which is more affordable for your specific circumstances. Check each school's website for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.

  • What types of ministry opportunities are available at Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College?

    Moody Bible Institute offers extensive hands-on ministry opportunities through its various departments and partnerships with local churches and organizations. Students are actively involved in evangelism, discipleship, and service projects. Wheaton College also provides ministry opportunities, but they are often integrated with academic programs or offered through student-led organizations. Wheaton's location near Chicago provides access to diverse ministry settings.

  • What are the career paths typically pursued by graduates of Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College?

    Moody Bible Institute graduates often pursue careers in pastoral ministry, missions, Christian education, and other church-related roles. Wheaton College graduates pursue a wider range of careers, including those in business, education, healthcare, law, and the arts, in addition to ministry-related fields. Wheaton's strong liberal arts foundation prepares students for diverse professional paths.

  • How do Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College approach theological education?

    Moody Bible Institute's theological education is deeply rooted in conservative evangelical theology, emphasizing biblical authority and practical application. Wheaton College also holds to evangelical Christian beliefs, but its theological approach is often more academically oriented, encouraging critical thinking and engagement with diverse theological perspectives within the evangelical tradition.

  • What are the similarities between Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College?

    Both Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College are committed to providing a Christ-centered education and fostering spiritual growth in their students. Both institutions require students to adhere to a code of conduct that reflects Christian values. They both also offer opportunities for students to engage in ministry and service, though the specific types of opportunities may differ.

  • Does either school offer online programs?

    Yes, both Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College offer online programs. Moody Bible Institute has a robust online program focused on biblical studies and ministry training. Wheaton College also offers online courses and programs, often at the graduate level, in various disciplines.

  • What is the size and location of each school?

    Moody Bible Institute is located in downtown Chicago and has a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. Wheaton College is located in Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, and has a larger student body, offering a wider range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. The urban vs. suburban setting contributes to the distinct campus experiences.

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