IWU vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with University of Dayton in Dayton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dayton is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

IWU vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or University of Dayton? 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 Illinois Wesleyan University than University of Dayton ($28,644 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 20.4% lower than at University of Dayton ($13,370 vs. $16,800).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 17.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dayton (about $8,564 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.4% higher at IWU than at University of Dayton (about $8,564 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 26.2% larger than aid received by University of Dayton students ($42,181 vs. $33,418).

IWU vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton and IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 60 points higher than at IWU (1230).
• Incoming University of Dayton 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; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at University of Dayton (3.77).
• University of Dayton has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

IWU vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton's (74%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than University of Dayton graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton 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 University of Dayton students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 84%)

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.