IWU vs. Nazareth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Nazareth University in Rochester, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nazareth University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,401 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Nazareth University is in Rochester, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nazareth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Nazareth University 8:1.

IWU vs. Nazareth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Nazareth 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 Illinois Wesleyan University than Nazareth University ($28,644 vs. $30,785).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 17.7% lower than at Nazareth University ($13,370 vs. $16,250).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 35.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nazareth University (about $15,254 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $42,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.9% higher at IWU than at Nazareth University (about $15,254 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $42,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at Nazareth University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 54.6% larger than aid received by Nazareth University students ($42,181 vs. $27,292).

IWU vs. Nazareth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 30 points higher than at Nazareth University (1200).
• Incoming IWU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Nazareth University (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Nazareth University 1070/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Nazareth University 23/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Nazareth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Nazareth University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Nazareth University (3.6).
• Nazareth University has a higher acceptance rate (74.7%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 11.5% at Nazareth University.

IWU vs. Nazareth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Nazareth 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 Nazareth University's (74%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than Nazareth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $44,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nazareth University graduates have a $499 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($26,501 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Nazareth University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nazareth University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 73%)

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.