IWU vs. Whitworth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL with Whitworth University in Spokane, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Whitworth University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,314 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); Whitworth University is in Spokane, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitworth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; Whitworth University 11:1.

IWU vs. Whitworth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU or Whitworth 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 Whitworth University than IWU ($27,605 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois Wesleyan University are 6.5% lower than at Whitworth University ($13,370 vs. $14,300).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 9.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Whitworth University (about $4,824 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $52,880.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.1% higher at IWU than at Whitworth University (about $4,824 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $52,880.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at Whitworth University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 2.9% larger than aid received by Whitworth University students ($42,181 vs. $41,007).

IWU vs. Whitworth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Whitworth University (1210).
• Incoming IWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Whitworth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Whitworth University 1090/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Whitworth University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Whitworth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Whitworth University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Whitworth University (3.72).
• Whitworth University has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 13.9% at Whitworth University.

IWU vs. Whitworth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU and Whitworth 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 Whitworth University's (80%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Whitworth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Whitworth University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Whitworth University 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 Whitworth University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 71%)

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.