IWU vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois Wesleyan University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (1,582 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IWU vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Houghton University? 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 Houghton University than IWU ($21,274 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 15% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($11,360 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 213.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $39,274 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 213.1% higher at IWU than at Houghton University (about $39,274 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Houghton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 326% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($42,181 vs. $9,902).

IWU vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU or Houghton University? 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 Houghton University and IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houghton University (1270) is 40 points higher than at IWU (1230).
• Incoming Houghton University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at IWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

IWU vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Houghton University? 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 Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $16,200 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 77%)

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.