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Illinois Wesleyan University vs Lake Forest College

Illinois Wesleyan University is a private university in Bloomington, IL. Lake Forest College is a private college in Lake Forest, IL. Illinois Wesleyan University admits about 39% of applicants and Lake Forest College about 57%, making Illinois Wesleyan University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,199 a year at Illinois Wesleyan University after aid, and about $28,673 at Lake Forest College. About 78% of students graduate at Illinois Wesleyan University, compared with 74% at Lake Forest College. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $70,871, against $61,825 for Lake Forest College.

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Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Bloomington, IL
Lake Forest, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,582
1,813
Acceptance rate
39%
57%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1340
1190–1393
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
28–32
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,199
$28,673
Full cost / yr
$70,700
$70,655
In-state tuition
$57,704
$56,402
Out-of-state tuition
$57,704
$56,402
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,732
$19,605
$30k - $48k
$19,057
$20,210
$48k - $75k
$23,152
$21,481
$75k - $110k
$27,396
$26,055
Over $110k
$37,104
$35,341
Outcomes
Graduation rate
78%
74%
Freshman retention
80%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,082
$51,324
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,871
$61,825
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$26,158
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
32%
First-generation students
18%
25%
International students
5%
20%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
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 Wesleyan University or Lake Forest College harder to get into?
Illinois Wesleyan University is harder to get into. It admits about 39% of applicants, compared with 57% at Lake Forest College. 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 Wesleyan University or Lake Forest College?
Illinois Wesleyan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,199 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,673 at Lake Forest 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 Wesleyan University and Lake Forest College?
Before aid, Lake Forest College costs about $70,655 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, Illinois Wesleyan University or Lake Forest College?
Illinois Wesleyan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,732 there, against about $19,605 at Lake Forest College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Illinois Wesleyan University or Lake Forest College?
Lake Forest College is the larger of the two, with about 1,813 undergraduates against 1,582 at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Does Illinois Wesleyan University or Lake Forest College have a better graduation rate?
Illinois Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 74% at Lake Forest College.
Do graduates of Illinois Wesleyan University or Lake Forest College earn more?
Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $70,871 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,825 for Lake Forest College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Illinois Wesleyan University and Lake Forest College require SAT or ACT scores?
Illinois Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Lake Forest College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Illinois Wesleyan University and Lake Forest College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1340 at Illinois Wesleyan University and 1190–1393 at Lake Forest 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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