IWU vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Union University in Jackson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Union University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,713 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IWU vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Union 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 Union University than IWU ($28,452 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 4.4% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($12,780 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 44.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $17,679 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.2% higher at IWU than at Union University (about $17,679 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Union University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 40% larger than aid received by Union University students ($42,181 vs. $30,120).

IWU vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 50 points higher than at IWU (1230).
• Incoming IWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Union University (3.8).
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 30.1% at Union University.

IWU vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Union 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $2,160 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($24,840 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($256 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 66%)

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.