IWU vs. Taylor University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Taylor University in Upland, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Taylor University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,548 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Taylor University is in Upland, IN (Distant Town setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Taylor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Taylor University 14:1.

IWU vs. Taylor University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Taylor 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 Taylor University than IWU ($26,178 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Taylor University are 10% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($12,029 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 42.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Taylor University (about $17,214 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $40,490.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.5% higher at IWU than at Taylor University (about $17,214 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $40,490.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Taylor University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 55.1% larger than aid received by Taylor University students ($42,181 vs. $27,198).

IWU vs. Taylor University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 30 points higher than at Taylor University (1200).
• Incoming IWU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Taylor University (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Taylor University 1070/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Taylor University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Taylor University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Taylor University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at IWU (3.86).
• Taylor University has a higher acceptance rate (73.5%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 32.3% at Taylor University.

IWU vs. Taylor University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Taylor 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 Taylor University's (80%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $19,200 more per year than Taylor University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $41,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Taylor University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Taylor University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Taylor University 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.