IWU vs. North Central College

Comparable Facts

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

North Central College is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (3,003 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IWU vs. North Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or North Central 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 North Central College than IWU ($23,276 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 9% lower than at North Central College ($13,370 vs. $14,688).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 26.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Central College (about $11,978 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.2% higher at IWU than at North Central College (about $11,978 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at North Central College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 23.9% larger than aid received by North Central College students ($42,181 vs. $34,056).

IWU vs. North Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 50 points higher than at North Central College (1180).
• Incoming IWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at North Central College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; North Central College 1055/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; North Central College 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; North Central College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at North Central College (3.6).
• North Central College has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 13.6% at North Central College.

IWU vs. North Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and North Central 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 North Central College's (64%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Central 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.