IWU vs. Holy Cross College

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois Wesleyan University is larger than Holy Cross College based on total student enrollment (1,582 students vs. 661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Holy Cross College is in Notre Dame, IN (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Holy Cross College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Holy Cross College 13:1.

IWU vs. Holy Cross College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Holy Cross 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 Holy Cross College than IWU ($22,421 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Cross College are 5% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($12,700 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 57.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross College (about $21,104 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.7% higher at IWU than at Holy Cross College (about $21,104 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at Holy Cross College (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 48.4% larger than aid received by Holy Cross College students ($42,181 vs. $28,416).

IWU vs. Holy Cross College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 90 points higher than at Holy Cross College (1140).
• Incoming IWU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Holy Cross College (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Holy Cross College 980/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Holy Cross College 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Holy Cross College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross College Jul 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.66 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Holy Cross College (3.2).
• Holy Cross College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 19.5% at Holy Cross College.

IWU vs. Holy Cross College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Holy Cross 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 Holy Cross College's (13%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than Holy Cross College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have a $3,875 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($23,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($239 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 64%)

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.