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School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs Illinois Wesleyan University

School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private institute in Chicago, 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 77% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Illinois Wesleyan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,199 a year against $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. About 78% of students graduate at Illinois Wesleyan University, compared with 65% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $70,871, against $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Bloomington, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,805
1,582
Acceptance rate
77%
39%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1048–1260
1120–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
22–25
25–30
Test policy
Test blind
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,790
$28,199
Full cost / yr
$75,625
$70,700
In-state tuition
$56,420
$57,704
Out-of-state tuition
$56,420
$57,704
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$43,798
$17,732
$30k - $48k
$39,845
$19,057
$48k - $75k
$46,708
$23,152
$75k - $110k
$49,595
$27,396
Over $110k
$55,790
$37,104
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
78%
Freshman retention
84%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,742
$56,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,151
$70,871
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
26%
First-generation students
21%
18%
International students
28%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 School of the Art Institute of 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 77% at School of the Art Institute of 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, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Illinois Wesleyan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,199 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University?
Before aid, Illinois Wesleyan University costs about $70,700 a year and School of the Art Institute of Chicago about $75,625. 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, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University?
Illinois Wesleyan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,732 there, against about $43,798 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 2,805 undergraduates against 1,582 at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Does School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
Illinois Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 65% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Do graduates of School of the Art Institute of 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 $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Illinois Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1048–1260 at School of the Art Institute of 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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