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Chicago State University vs Illinois Wesleyan University

Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Illinois Wesleyan University is a private university in Bloomington, IL. Illinois Wesleyan University admits about 39% of applicants and Chicago State University about 43%, making Illinois Wesleyan University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,335 a year at Chicago State University after aid, and about $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan University. About 78% of students graduate at Illinois Wesleyan University, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $70,871, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.

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Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Bloomington, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,384
1,582
Acceptance rate
43%
39%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.9
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
750–963
1120–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,335
$28,199
Full cost / yr
$29,764
$70,700
In-state tuition
$12,754
$57,704
Out-of-state tuition
$12,754
$57,704
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,073
$17,732
$30k - $48k
$9,550
$19,057
$48k - $75k
$11,334
$23,152
$75k - $110k
$13,899
$27,396
Over $110k
$28,427
$37,104
Outcomes
Graduation rate
16%
78%
Freshman retention
57%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,805
$56,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,778
$70,871
Median debt at graduation
$30,625
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
26%
First-generation students
42%
18%
International students
3%
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 Chicago State 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 43% at Chicago State 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, Chicago State University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 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 Chicago State University and Illinois Wesleyan University?
Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 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, Chicago State University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Chicago State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,073 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, Chicago State University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Illinois Wesleyan University is the larger of the two, with about 1,582 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
Does Chicago State University or Illinois Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
Illinois Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of Chicago State 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 $42,778 for Chicago State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Chicago State University and Illinois Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Illinois Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Chicago State University and Illinois Wesleyan University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–963 at Chicago State University and 1120–1340 at Illinois Wesleyan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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