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Illinois State University vs Wheaton College

Illinois State University is a public university in Normal, IL, and Wheaton College is a private college in Wheaton, IL. Wheaton College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 87% of applicants against 88% at Illinois State University. Illinois State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,398 a year against $26,975 at Wheaton College. About 86% of students graduate at Wheaton College, compared with 65% at Illinois State University. Ten years after enrolling, Wheaton College alumni earn a median of about $63,756, against $62,117 for Illinois State University.

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Normal, IL
Wheaton, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
19,057
2,121
Acceptance rate
88%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1210
1260–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,398
$26,975
Full cost / yr
$34,309
$59,263
In-state tuition
$16,144
$45,546
Out-of-state tuition
$28,210
$45,546
Application fee
$55
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,568
$20,001
$30k - $48k
$12,301
$18,587
$48k - $75k
$16,348
$20,553
$75k - $110k
$23,865
$24,176
Over $110k
$28,224
$33,435
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
86%
Freshman retention
81%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,599
$50,270
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,117
$63,756
Median debt at graduation
$20,482
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
22%
First-generation students
30%
Not reported
International students
1%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Oct 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 15

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 Illinois State University or Wheaton College harder to get into?
Wheaton College is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 88% at Illinois 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, Illinois State University or Wheaton College?
Illinois State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,398 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,975 at Wheaton College. 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 Illinois State University and Wheaton College?
Before aid, Illinois State University costs about $34,309 a year and Wheaton College about $59,263. 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, Illinois State University or Wheaton College?
Illinois State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,568 there, against about $20,001 at Wheaton College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Illinois State University or Wheaton College?
Illinois State University is the larger of the two, with about 19,057 undergraduates against 2,121 at Wheaton College.
Does Illinois State University or Wheaton College have a better graduation rate?
Wheaton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 65% at Illinois State University.
Do graduates of Illinois State University or Wheaton College earn more?
Wheaton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,756 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,117 for Illinois State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Illinois State University and Wheaton College require SAT or ACT scores?
Illinois State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wheaton College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Illinois State University and Wheaton College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1210 at Illinois State University and 1260–1470 at Wheaton College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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