IWU vs. Hillsdale College

Comparable Facts

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

Hillsdale College is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (1,792 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Hillsdale College is in Hillsdale, Michigan (Distant Town setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hillsdale College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Hillsdale College 8:1.

IWU vs. Hillsdale College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale College than IWU ($23,993 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 1.7% lower than at Hillsdale College ($13,370 vs. $13,600).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 73.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hillsdale College (about $24,515 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.9% higher at IWU than at Hillsdale College (about $24,515 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at Hillsdale College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 73.4% larger than aid received by Hillsdale College students ($42,181 vs. $24,328).

IWU vs. Hillsdale College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hillsdale College (1410) is 180 points higher than at IWU (1230).
• Incoming Hillsdale College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at IWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Hillsdale College 1320/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Hillsdale College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Hillsdale College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hillsdale College Mar 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hillsdale College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at IWU (3.86).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (39.3%) than Hillsdale College (20.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 55.5% at Hillsdale College.

IWU vs. Hillsdale College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Hillsdale 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).

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.