IWU vs. Saint Louis University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Louis University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (17,059 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IWU vs. Saint Louis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University than IWU ($27,749 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 12.5% lower than at Saint Louis University ($13,370 vs. $15,280).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Louis University (about $1,944 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $55,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at IWU than at Saint Louis University (about $1,944 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $55,760.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Saint Louis University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Louis University students is 5.9% larger than aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students ($44,657 vs. $42,181).

IWU vs. Saint Louis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Louis University (1310) is 80 points higher than at IWU (1230).
• Incoming Saint Louis University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at IWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Saint Louis University 1200/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Saint Louis University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Saint Louis University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saint Louis University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at IWU (3.86).
• Saint Louis University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 13.9% at Saint Louis University.

IWU vs. Saint Louis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University's (61%).
• Graduates from Saint Louis University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than IWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,800 vs. $60,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Louis University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Saint Louis University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Louis University 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.