IWU vs. Webster University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Webster University in Saint Louis, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Webster University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (8,260 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Webster University is in Saint Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Webster University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Webster University 16:1.

IWU vs. Webster University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Webster 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 Illinois Wesleyan University than Webster University ($28,644 vs. $29,503).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Webster University are 7.9% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($12,318 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 81.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Webster University (about $25,954 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $31,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.7% higher at IWU than at Webster University (about $25,954 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $31,750.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Webster University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 96.9% larger than aid received by Webster University students ($42,181 vs. $21,426).

IWU vs. Webster University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Webster University (1210).
• Incoming IWU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at Webster University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Webster University 1110/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Webster University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Webster University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Webster University (3.64).
• Webster University has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 13.6% at Webster University.

IWU vs. Webster University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Webster 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 Webster University's (61%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Webster University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Webster University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Webster University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Webster University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 60%)

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.