IWU vs. Drew University

Comparable Facts

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

Drew University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,232 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Drew University is in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drew University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Drew University 11:1.

IWU vs. Drew University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Drew 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 Drew University than IWU ($28,425 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 24.2% lower than at Drew University ($13,370 vs. $17,640).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 22.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drew University (about $10,604 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $47,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.5% higher at IWU than at Drew University (about $10,604 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $47,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at Drew University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 14.6% larger than aid received by Drew University students ($42,181 vs. $36,807).

IWU vs. Drew University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 10 points higher than at Drew University (1220).
• Incoming IWU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Drew University (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Drew University 1103/1338.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Drew University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Drew University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drew University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• Drew University has a higher acceptance rate (67.8%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 10.7% at Drew University.

IWU vs. Drew University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Drew 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 Drew University's (68%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Drew University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $55,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drew University and IWU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Drew University and IWU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drew University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 70%)

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.