IWU vs. Asbury University

Comparable Facts

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

Asbury University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,100 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Asbury University is in Wilmore, KY (Town Fringe setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Asbury University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Asbury University 13:1.

IWU vs. Asbury University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Asbury 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 Asbury University than IWU ($23,033 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Asbury University are 19.2% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($10,804 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 71.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Asbury University (about $24,064 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $33,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.5% higher at IWU than at Asbury University (about $24,064 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $33,640.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Asbury University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 72.1% larger than aid received by Asbury University students ($42,181 vs. $24,516).

IWU vs. Asbury University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 30 points higher than at Asbury University (1200).
• Incoming IWU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Asbury University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Asbury University 1080/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Asbury University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Asbury University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Asbury University (3.65).
• Asbury University has a higher acceptance rate (63.4%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 26.1% at Asbury University.

IWU vs. Asbury University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Asbury 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 Asbury University's (71%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $21,000 more per year than Asbury University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Asbury University graduates have a $1,057 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($25,943 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Asbury University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Asbury 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.