Elmhurst University vs. IWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elmhurst University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Illinois Wesleyan University is in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1.

Elmhurst University vs. IWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or IWU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Elmhurst University than IWU ($24,629 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 8% lower than at Elmhurst University ($13,370 vs. $14,528).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 34.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elmhurst University (about $14,749 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.3% higher at IWU than at Elmhurst University (about $14,749 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Illinois Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 40.2% larger than aid received by Elmhurst University students ($42,181 vs. $30,079).

Elmhurst University vs. IWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst University or IWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between IWU and Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 100 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming IWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Elmhurst University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; IWU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Elmhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (73.6%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 12.3% at IWU.

Elmhurst University vs. IWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and IWU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Illinois Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Elmhurst University's (70%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $10,300 more per year than Elmhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $50,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 72%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.