Benedictine University vs. IWU

Comparable Facts

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

Benedictine University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,917 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Benedictine University vs. IWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedictine 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 Benedictine University than IWU ($23,139 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedictine University are 18.8% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($10,850 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 60.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Benedictine University (about $21,764 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $35,940.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.6% higher at IWU than at Benedictine University (about $21,764 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $35,940.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at Benedictine University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 84.1% larger than aid received by Benedictine University students ($42,181 vs. $22,911).

Benedictine University vs. IWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedictine 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 Benedictine University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 60 points higher than at Benedictine University (1170).
• Incoming IWU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Benedictine University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedictine University 1050/1280; Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedictine University 19/28; Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedictine University - Test optional; IWU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Benedictine University (3.26).
• Benedictine University has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Benedictine University vs. 12.3% at IWU.

Benedictine University vs. IWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedictine 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 Benedictine University's (49%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Benedictine University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have a $4,700 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($22,300 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedictine University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 56%)

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.