John Brown University vs. IWU

Comparable Facts

Compare John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR with Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

John Brown University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,350 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Brown University is located in Siloam Springs, AR (Rural Fringe setting); Illinois Wesleyan University is in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting).
• John Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Brown University 15:1; Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1.

John Brown University vs. IWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, John Brown University or IWU? 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 John Brown University than IWU ($21,537 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Brown University are 22.5% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($10,362 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 81.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than John Brown University (about $25,948 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $31,756.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.7% higher at IWU than at John Brown University (about $25,948 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $31,756.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at John Brown University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 82% larger than aid received by John Brown University students ($42,181 vs. $23,173).

John Brown University vs. IWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, John Brown University or IWU? 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 IWU and John Brown University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 20 points higher than at John Brown University (1210).
• Incoming IWU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at John Brown University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Brown University 1070/1340; Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Brown University 21/28; Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: John Brown University - Test optional; IWU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at John Brown University (3.77).
• John Brown University has a higher acceptance rate (76.1%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at John Brown University vs. 12.3% at IWU.

John Brown University vs. IWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for John Brown University and IWU? 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 John Brown University's (66%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than John Brown University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $53,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, John Brown University graduates have a $5,057 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($21,943 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, John Brown University graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($226 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former John Brown University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 73%)

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.