IWU vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois Wesleyan University is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (1,582 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IWU vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Fisk 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 Fisk University than IWU ($18,595 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 8% lower than at Fisk University ($13,370 vs. $14,540).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 123.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $31,846 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 123.2% higher at IWU than at Fisk University (about $31,846 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at Fisk University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 84.9% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($42,181 vs. $22,811).

IWU vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fisk University (1330) is 100 points higher than at IWU (1230).
• Incoming IWU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (39.3%) than Fisk University (37.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

IWU vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Fisk 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $24,600 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fisk University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fisk 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 Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 38%)

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.