Illinois Wesleyan University Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU), founded in 1850, is a prestigious private liberal arts university in Bloomington, Illinois. Known for its rigorous academic programs and personalized approach to education, IWU offers over 80 majors, minors, and programs through its College of Liberal Arts and School of Music. The beautiful 85-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including the Ames School of Art building and the Center for Natural Science, which houses advanced research labs. With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 and no graduate teaching assistants, IWU ensures direct mentorship from professors. The university consistently ranks among the top national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
IWU's distinctive curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and undergraduate research opportunities across all fields. The university is particularly renowned for its sciences programs, with an unusually high percentage of graduates earning PhDs in STEM fields. The School of Music presents over 150 performances annually in the magnificent Westbrook Auditorium. IWU's Titans compete in NCAA Division III athletics, with a strong tradition in baseball and basketball. The university's May Term allows for intensive study abroad or special topic courses. IWU's combination of academic excellence, engaged learning, and vibrant campus life creates a transformative educational experience.
Illinois Wesleyan University Acceptance Rate
Illinois Wesleyan University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is 42.22%. This means that 42 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Illinois Wesleyan University Admissions?
- Moderately Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Since the acceptance rate is low, you need to perform exceptionally well in academics and other activities. However, since it is not below 20%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn\'t excellent. You can compensate for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Illinois Wesleyan University Admission Requirements
IWU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at IWU is 3.86. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.56 and 3.86, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.46 GPA to have a realistic chance of admission.
Can I Get Into IWU Without SAT Or ACT?: Illinois Wesleyan University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Illinois Wesleyan University Average SAT Score: 1263
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Illinois Wesleyan University is 1263 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Illinois Wesleyan University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1263 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1330 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Illinois Wesleyan University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1120, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to IWU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Illinois Wesleyan University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 615 | 560 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 610 | 560 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1263 | 1120 | 1330 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1120 then you are below most of the admitted students at IWU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1330 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) are good but the admission staff at IWU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at IWU is 28.
Illinois Wesleyan University ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Illinois Wesleyan University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 28 on the ACT.
Illinois Wesleyan University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 29 |
| ACT English | 28 | 24 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 30 |
Can I get into Illinois Wesleyan University with a 30 ACT?
With a 30 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Illinois Wesleyan University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 28.IWU Profile
Name: Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU)
City: Bloomington
URL: www.iwu.edu/
State: Illinois
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 61702-2900
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from IWU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Illinois Wesleyan University is USD: 66835. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Illinois Wesleyan University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
24.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 64.49 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to IWU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Illinois Wesleyan University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist IWU as your choice in the form.
How much a IWU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the IWU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 70871. An average IWU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Illinois Wesleyan University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Illinois Wesleyan University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1246 | 27 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1215 | 28 |
| Whittier College | Whittier College, CA | 1231 | 27 |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1216 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Illinois Wesleyan University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Illinois Wesleyan University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1258 | 28 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1265 | 27 |
| Butler University | Butler University, IN | 1262 | 27 |
| Earlham College | Earlham College, IN | 1261 | 28 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Illinois Wesleyan University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1316 | 29 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1323 | 29 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1328 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1301 | 29 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Wesleyan University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $70871 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Illinois Wesleyan University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $66835 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Illinois Wesleyan University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Illinois Wesleyan University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Illinois Wesleyan University is 42.22 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Illinois Wesleyan University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.86. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Illinois Wesleyan University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.56, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Illinois Wesleyan University with a 3.56 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.56 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Illinois Wesleyan University if my GPA is below 3.46
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.86, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Illinois Wesleyan University?
Answer: Admission to Illinois Wesleyan University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1263 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1120-1330
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Illinois Wesleyan University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Illinois Wesleyan University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Illinois Wesleyan University?
Answer: The campus culture at Illinois Wesleyan University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Illinois Wesleyan University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Illinois Wesleyan University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.