IWU vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington and Lee University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

IWU vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee University than IWU ($23,055 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 28.4% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($13,370 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 17.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than IWU (about $10,341 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $57,704.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.9% higher at Washington and Lee than at Illinois Wesleyan University (about $10,341 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $57,704.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at Washington and Lee University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 51.6% larger than aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students ($63,945 vs. $42,181).

IWU vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 260 points higher than at IWU (1230).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 27 at IWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at IWU (3.86).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (39.3%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

IWU vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Washington and Lee? 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).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Illinois Wesleyan University's (82%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $28,500 more per year than IWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $60,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IWU students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 87%)

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.