IWU vs. Cedarville University

Comparable Facts

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

Cedarville University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (6,318 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Cedarville University is in Cedarville, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cedarville University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Cedarville University 14:1.

IWU vs. Cedarville University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Cedarville 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 Cedarville University than IWU ($27,150 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedarville University are 28.4% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($9,574 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 55.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cedarville University (about $20,554 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.3% higher at IWU than at Cedarville University (about $20,554 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Cedarville University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 90.2% larger than aid received by Cedarville University students ($42,181 vs. $22,177).

IWU vs. Cedarville University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cedarville University (1250) is 20 points higher than at IWU (1230).
• Incoming IWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Cedarville University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Cedarville University 1130/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Cedarville University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Cedarville University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Cedarville University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at IWU (3.86).
• Cedarville University has a higher acceptance rate (65.3%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 34% at Cedarville University.

IWU vs. Cedarville University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Cedarville 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 Cedarville University's (68%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than Cedarville University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cedarville University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 86%)

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.