IWU vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

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

Caldwell University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,005 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IWU vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Caldwell 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 Caldwell University than IWU ($21,875 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 5.8% lower than at Caldwell University ($13,370 vs. $14,188).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 41.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $16,856 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.3% higher at IWU than at Caldwell University (about $16,856 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Caldwell University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 30.4% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($42,181 vs. $32,340).

IWU vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Caldwell University (1250) is 20 points higher than at IWU (1230).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

IWU vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Caldwell 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 Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 50%)

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.