IWU vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle Pacific University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,261 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

IWU vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or SPU? 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 Seattle Pacific University than IWU ($25,232 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 18.9% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($13,370 vs. $16,491).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 42.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $17,297 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.8% higher at IWU than at Seattle Pacific University (about $17,297 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 33.7% larger than aid received by Seattle Pacific University students ($42,181 vs. $31,558).

IWU vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU or SPU? 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 SPU and IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 40 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming IWU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 15.8% at SPU.

IWU vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and SPU? 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 Seattle Pacific University's (74%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Pacific University graduates have a $1,397 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($25,603 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SPU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($264 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SPU students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 82%)

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.