IWU vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois Wesleyan University is larger than University of Minnesota-Rochester based on total student enrollment (1,582 students vs. 578 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); University of Minnesota Rochester is in Rochester, MN (Midsize City setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Minnesota Rochester is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; University of Minnesota Rochester 13:1.

IWU vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 University of Minnesota Rochester than IWU ($14,953 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 4.5% lower than at University of Minnesota Rochester ($13,370 vs. $13,994).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 284.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Minnesota-Rochester (about $42,688 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $15,016.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 284.3% higher at IWU than at University of Minnesota Rochester (about $42,688 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $15,016.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at University of Minnesota Rochester (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 200.1% larger than aid received by University of Minnesota Rochester students ($42,181 vs. $14,057).

IWU vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 Minnesota-Rochester and IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 60 points higher than at University of Minnesota-Rochester (1170).
• Incoming IWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at University of Minnesota-Rochester).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; University of Minnesota Rochester 950/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; University of Minnesota Rochester 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; University of Minnesota-Rochester - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Minnesota-Rochester Jul 31, 2027.
• University of Minnesota-Rochester has a higher acceptance rate (71%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 20.3% at University of Minnesota-Rochester.

IWU vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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).

• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $58,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Minnesota Rochester graduates have a $6,815 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($20,185 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($208 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Minnesota-Rochester 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.