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Illinois Wesleyan University vs Northwestern University

Illinois Wesleyan University is a private university in Bloomington, IL. Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants and Illinois Wesleyan University about 39%, making Northwestern 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 $29,167 at Northwestern University. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 78% at Illinois Wesleyan University. Ten years after enrolling, Northwestern University alumni earn a median of about $89,363, against $70,871 for Illinois Wesleyan University.

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Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Bloomington, IL
Evanston, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,582
9,201
Acceptance rate
39%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1340
1510–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
33–35
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,199
$29,167
Full cost / yr
$70,700
$91,250
In-state tuition
$57,704
$68,322
Out-of-state tuition
$57,704
$68,322
Application fee
$0
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,732
$1,764
$30k - $48k
$19,057
$6,099
$48k - $75k
$23,152
$7,898
$75k - $110k
$27,396
$18,282
Over $110k
$37,104
$48,777
Outcomes
Graduation rate
78%
96%
Freshman retention
80%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,082
$76,844
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,871
$89,363
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
19%
First-generation students
18%
15%
International students
5%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 4

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 Northwestern University harder to get into?
Northwestern University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 39% 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.
Which is cheaper, Illinois Wesleyan University or Northwestern University?
Illinois Wesleyan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,199 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,167 at Northwestern 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 Illinois Wesleyan University and Northwestern University?
Before aid, Illinois Wesleyan University costs about $70,700 a year and Northwestern University about $91,250. 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 Northwestern University?
Northwestern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,764 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, Illinois Wesleyan University or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University is the larger of the two, with about 9,201 undergraduates against 1,582 at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Does Illinois Wesleyan University or Northwestern University have a better graduation rate?
Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 78% at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Do graduates of Illinois Wesleyan University or Northwestern University earn more?
Northwestern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,363 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,871 for Illinois Wesleyan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Illinois Wesleyan University and Northwestern University require SAT or ACT scores?
Illinois Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Northwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Illinois Wesleyan University and Northwestern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1340 at Illinois Wesleyan University and 1510–1570 at Northwestern 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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