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University of Chicago vs Illinois Wesleyan University

University of Chicago is a private university in Chicago, IL, and Illinois Wesleyan University is a private university in Bloomington, IL. University of Chicago is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 39% at Illinois Wesleyan University. University of Chicago is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,860 a year against $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan University. About 95% of students graduate at University of Chicago, compared with 78% at Illinois Wesleyan University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Chicago alumni earn a median of about $91,885, against $70,871 for Illinois Wesleyan University.

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University 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
7,569
1,582
Acceptance rate
4%
39%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1120–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,860
$28,199
Full cost / yr
$90,360
$70,700
In-state tuition
$70,662
$57,704
Out-of-state tuition
$70,662
$57,704
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$17,732
$30k - $48k
$914
$19,057
$48k - $75k
$226
$23,152
$75k - $110k
$12,602
$27,396
Over $110k
$48,524
$37,104
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
78%
Freshman retention
99%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$80,870
$56,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$91,885
$70,871
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
26%
First-generation students
20%
18%
International students
18%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 4
Feb 1

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 University of Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University harder to get into?
University of Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 4% 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, University of Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University?
University of Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,860 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 University of Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University?
Before aid, Illinois Wesleyan University costs about $70,700 a year and University of Chicago about $90,360. 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, University of Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University?
University of Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,264 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, University of Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University?
University of Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 7,569 undergraduates against 1,582 at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Does University of Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 78% at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Do graduates of University of Chicago or Illinois Wesleyan University earn more?
University of Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,885 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,871 for Illinois Wesleyan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at University 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school