IWU vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Calvin University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Calvin University 13:1.

IWU vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Calvin 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 Calvin University than IWU ($25,231 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 9.3% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($12,120 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 46.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $18,354 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.6% higher at IWU than at Calvin University (about $18,354 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Calvin University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 44.8% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($42,181 vs. $29,123).

IWU vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming IWU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Calvin University (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Calvin University (3.84).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

IWU vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Calvin 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 Calvin University's (77%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $551 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvin University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 81%)

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.