IWU vs. Northwest University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Northwest University in Kirkland, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois Wesleyan University is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (1,582 students vs. 1,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Northwest University is in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Northwest University 9:1.

IWU vs. Northwest University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Northwest 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 Northwest University than IWU ($24,251 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 16.4% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($11,180 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 60.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest University (about $21,669 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.1% higher at IWU than at Northwest University (about $21,669 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Northwest University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 62.1% larger than aid received by Northwest University students ($42,181 vs. $26,017).

IWU vs. Northwest University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 30 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Northwest University 1040/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Northwest University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwest University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Northwest University (3.41).
• Northwest University has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 30.8% at Northwest University.

IWU vs. Northwest University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Northwest 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 Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $19,100 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $5,468 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($21,532 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 62%)

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.