IWU vs. Union University

Illinois Wesleyan University and Union University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Illinois Wesleyan University
Union University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: IWU (39.3% admitted vs 60.4%). Typical SAT 1230 vs 1280.
  • Cheaper after aid: about even. Average net price is $28,644 at IWU vs $28,452 at Union University. IWU in-state tuition is about $17,679 more per year.
  • Graduation: IWU 82% vs Union University 61%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: IWU $60,500 vs Union University $48,200 (median).
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Key differences

Illinois Wesleyan University Union University
Acceptance rate
IWU more selective
IWU39.3%
Union University60.4%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Union University higher
IWU1120-1340
Union University1160-1390
Average net price
About even
IWU$28,644
Union University$28,452
In-state tuition
Union University $17,679 less
IWU$57,704
Union University$40,025
Out-of-state tuition
Union University $17,679 less
IWU$57,704
Union University$40,025
Graduation rate
IWU +21 pts
IWU82%
Union University61%
Median earnings (10 years)
IWU +$12,300
IWU$60,500
Union University$48,200

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • IWU 9,558
  • Union University 1,970
  • Admitted
  • IWU 3,757
  • Union University 1,190
  • Acceptance rate
  • IWU 39.3%
  • Union University 60.4%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • IWU 12.3%
  • Union University 30.1%
  • Typical SAT score
  • IWU 1230
  • Union University 1280
  • Typical ACT score
  • IWU 27
  • Union University 26
  • Average high school GPA
  • IWU 3.86
  • Union University 3.8
  • Typical high school grades
  • IWU A
  • Union University A-
  • Admissions standards
  • IWU Difficult
  • Union University Difficult
  • Applicant competition
  • IWU High
  • Union University Low
  • SAT range
  • IWU 1120-1340
  • Union University 1160-1390
  • ACT range
  • IWU 25-30
  • Union University 22-30
  • Submit test scores
  • IWU Test optional
  • Union University Required
  • Application deadline
  • IWU
  • Union University
  • Tuition (in state)
  • IWU $57,704
  • Union University $40,025
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • IWU $57,704
  • Union University $40,025
  • Room & board
  • IWU $13,370
  • Union University $12,780
  • Average net price
  • IWU $28,644
  • Union University $28,452
  • Average grant aid
  • IWU $42,181
  • Union University $30,120
  • % receiving grant aid
  • IWU 100%
  • Union University 100%
  • Graduation rate
  • IWU 82%
  • Union University 61%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • IWU $60,500
  • Union University $48,200
  • Making student loan payments
  • IWU 87%
  • Union University 66%
  • Median student loan debt
  • IWU $27,000
  • Union University $24,840
  • Median loan payment
  • IWU $279
  • Union University $256
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • IWU 12:1
  • Union University 9:1
  • Popular majors
  • IWU
    • Business (20%)
    • Social Sciences (13%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (8%)
    • Psychology (8%)
    • Biology (7%)
  • Union University
    • Health Professions (23%)
    • General Studies (19%)
    • Education (14%)
    • Human Services (6%)
    • Business (5%)
  • Location
  • IWU Bloomington, IL
  • Union University Jackson, TN
  • Setting
  • IWU Small City
  • Union University Small City
  • Total enrollment
  • IWU 1,582
  • Union University 2,713
  • Type
  • IWU Private 4 Year
  • Union University Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • IWU #157
  • Union University #182

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Union University in Jackson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Union University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,713 students vs. 1,582 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
  • Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Union University 9:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 4.4% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($12,780 vs. $13,370).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 44.2% higher at IWU than at Union University (about $17,679 more per year; $57,704 vs. $40,025).
  • The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Union University (100% vs. 100%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 40% larger than aid received by Union University students ($42,181 vs. $30,120).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at IWU than at Union University (27 vs. 26, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at IWU, required at Union University.
  • Enrolled first-year students at IWU average a 3.86 high school GPA, 0.06 higher than at Union University (3.8).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $2,160 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($24,840 vs. $27,000).
  • Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($256 vs. $279).
  • More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation (87% vs. 66%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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