Eastern Illinois University vs Illinois Wesleyan University
Eastern Illinois University is a public university in Charleston, 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 65% at Eastern Illinois University. Eastern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,786 a year against $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan University. About 78% of students graduate at Illinois Wesleyan University, compared with 46% at Eastern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $70,871, against $51,989 for Eastern Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Charleston, IL
Bloomington, IL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,188
1,582
Acceptance rate
65%
39%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1090
1120–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,786
$28,199
Full cost / yr
$26,996
$70,700
In-state tuition
$13,679
$57,704
Out-of-state tuition
$16,217
$57,704
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,828
$17,732
$30k - $48k
$8,619
$19,057
$48k - $75k
$11,412
$23,152
$75k - $110k
$15,665
$27,396
Over $110k
$21,027
$37,104
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
78%
Freshman retention
72%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,694
$56,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,989
$70,871
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
26%
First-generation students
34%
18%
International students
3%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Aug 12
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.
- Is Eastern Illinois 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 65% at Eastern Illinois 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, Eastern Illinois University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
- Eastern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,786 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 Eastern Illinois University and Illinois Wesleyan University?
- Before aid, Eastern Illinois University costs about $26,996 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, Eastern Illinois University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
- Eastern Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,828 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, Eastern Illinois University or Illinois Wesleyan University?
- Eastern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,188 undergraduates against 1,582 at Illinois Wesleyan University.
- Does Eastern Illinois University or Illinois Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
- Illinois Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 46% at Eastern Illinois University.
- Do graduates of Eastern Illinois 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 $51,989 for Eastern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Eastern Illinois University and Illinois Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Eastern Illinois 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 Eastern Illinois University and Illinois Wesleyan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1090 at Eastern Illinois University and 1120–1340 at Illinois Wesleyan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Eastern Illinois University vs Chicago State UniversityEastern Illinois University vs Governors State UniversityEastern Illinois University vs Quincy UniversityIllinois Wesleyan University vs Chicago State UniversityIllinois Wesleyan University vs Governors State UniversityIllinois Wesleyan University vs Quincy University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school