IWU vs. Goucher College

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Goucher College in Baltimore, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois Wesleyan University is larger than Goucher College based on total student enrollment (1,582 students vs. 1,459 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Goucher College is in Baltimore, MD (Small City setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Goucher College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Goucher College 9:1.

IWU vs. Goucher College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Goucher College? 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 Goucher College than IWU ($26,913 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 22.2% lower than at Goucher College ($13,370 vs. $17,190).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 8.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Goucher College (about $4,354 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $53,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.2% higher at IWU than at Goucher College (about $4,354 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $53,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Goucher College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Goucher College students is 3.8% larger than aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students ($43,791 vs. $42,181).

IWU vs. Goucher College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU or Goucher College? 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 Goucher College and IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Goucher College (1210).
• Incoming Goucher College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at IWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Goucher College 1090/1325.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Goucher College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Goucher College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Goucher College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Goucher College (3.23).
• Goucher College has a higher acceptance rate (77.7%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 9.7% at Goucher College.

IWU vs. Goucher College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Goucher College? 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 Goucher College's (70%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Goucher College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $52,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Goucher College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Goucher College 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 Goucher College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 74%)

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.