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Concordia University-Chicago vs Illinois Wesleyan University

Concordia University-Chicago is a private university in River Forest, IL. Illinois Wesleyan University is a private university in Bloomington, IL. Illinois Wesleyan University admits about 39% of applicants and Concordia University-Chicago about 93%, making Illinois Wesleyan University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,436 a year at Concordia University-Chicago after aid, and about $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan University. About 78% of students graduate at Illinois Wesleyan University, compared with 41% at Concordia University-Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $70,871, against $54,089 for Concordia University-Chicago.

Concordia University-Chicago

River Forest, IL · Private

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
River Forest, IL
Bloomington, IL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,323
1,582
Acceptance rate
93%
39%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.17–3.67
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1180
1120–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,436
$28,199
Full cost / yr
$45,383
$70,700
In-state tuition
$37,488
$57,704
Out-of-state tuition
$37,488
$57,704
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,795
$17,732
$30k - $48k
$16,397
$19,057
$48k - $75k
$15,768
$23,152
$75k - $110k
$20,046
$27,396
Over $110k
$23,907
$37,104
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
78%
Freshman retention
61%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,405
$56,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,089
$70,871
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
46%
26%
First-generation students
39%
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 Concordia University-Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University harder to get into?
Illinois Wesleyan University is harder to get into. It admits about 39% of applicants, compared with 93% at Concordia University-Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Concordia University-Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Concordia University-Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,436 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 Concordia University-Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University?
Before aid, Concordia University-Chicago costs about $45,383 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, Concordia University-Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Concordia University-Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,795 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, Concordia University-Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Illinois Wesleyan University is the larger of the two, with about 1,582 undergraduates against 1,323 at Concordia University-Chicago.
Does Concordia University-Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
Illinois Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 41% at Concordia University-Chicago.
Do graduates of Concordia University-Chicago 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 $54,089 for Concordia University-Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Concordia University-Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
Concordia University-Chicago 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 Concordia University-Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1180 at Concordia University-Chicago 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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