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Aurora University vs Illinois Wesleyan University

Aurora University is a private university in Aurora, IL, and Illinois Wesleyan University is a private university in Bloomington, IL. Illinois Wesleyan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 39% of applicants against 81% at Aurora University. Aurora University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,838 a year against $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan University. About 78% of students graduate at Illinois Wesleyan University, compared with 59% at Aurora University. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $70,871, against $58,709 for Aurora University.

Aurora University

Aurora, IL · Private

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Aurora, IL
Bloomington, IL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,974
1,582
Acceptance rate
81%
39%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1150
1120–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
25–30
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,838
$28,199
Full cost / yr
$40,625
$70,700
In-state tuition
$29,170
$57,704
Out-of-state tuition
$29,170
$57,704
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,525
$17,732
$30k - $48k
$14,089
$19,057
$48k - $75k
$15,431
$23,152
$75k - $110k
$19,300
$27,396
Over $110k
$24,595
$37,104
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
78%
Freshman retention
77%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,237
$56,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,709
$70,871
Median debt at graduation
$20,318
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
26%
First-generation students
46%
18%
International students
1%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Aurora University or Illinois Wesleyan University harder to get into?
Illinois Wesleyan University is harder to get into. It admits about 39% of applicants, compared with 81% at Aurora University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Aurora University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Aurora University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,838 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Aurora University and Illinois Wesleyan University?
Before aid, Aurora University costs about $40,625 a year and Illinois Wesleyan University about $70,700. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Aurora University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Aurora University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,525 there, against about $17,732 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Aurora University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Aurora University is the larger of the two, with about 3,974 undergraduates against 1,582 at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Does Aurora University or Illinois Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
Illinois Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 59% at Aurora University.
Do graduates of Aurora University or Illinois Wesleyan University earn more?
Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $70,871 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,709 for Aurora University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Aurora University and Illinois Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
Aurora University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Illinois Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Aurora University and Illinois Wesleyan University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1150 at Aurora University and 1120–1340 at Illinois Wesleyan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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