Illinois Wesleyan University
2024 USNews Best National Liberal Arts Colleges Ranking: (↑) (Click for schools/majors ranking)
Abbreviation/Alias: IWU | Wesleyan
School Characteristics: Private, non-Profit (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: 4-1-4 (Four-one-four plan)
Religious Affiliation: Not applicable
School Chief: S. Georgia Nugent (President)
Website: www.iwu.edu/; Phone: 3095561000
Location: 1312 N Park St, Bloomington, IL, 61702-2900
Illinois Wesleyan University Important Facts
The tuition at Illinois Wesleyan University has experienced a significant increase over the past decade. In 2013, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students was $37,954. By 2023, this figure had risen to $53,814, representing an increase of approximately 42%. This steady rise in tuition fees is reflective of a broader trend in higher education, where the cost of attendance continues to escalate, potentially creating financial barriers for prospective students. The consistent rise in room and board costs further compounds the financial burden on students and their families.
Simultaneously, the undergraduate student population at Illinois Wesleyan University has seen a notable decline. In 2013, there were 2,013 undergraduates enrolled, but by 2023, this number had decreased to 1,527. This drop of nearly 24% could indicate challenges the university faces in attracting and retaining students, possibly influenced by the rising cost of attendance. It also raises questions about the institution's long-term sustainability and the strategies it might need to employ to reverse this trend.
The gender ratio among undergraduates has also shifted during this period. In 2013, men made up approximately 42% of the undergraduate population, while women accounted for 58%. By 2023, the proportion of male students had increased to roughly 51%, with female students constituting 49%. This shift towards a more balanced gender ratio could reflect broader societal changes and efforts by the university to ensure a more diverse and inclusive student body.
Lastly, the retention rate, which measures the percentage of first-year students who continue at the university for their second year, has shown fluctuations. It peaked at 93% in 2017 but has since declined to about 82% in 2023. This decline may suggest issues with student satisfaction, academic challenges, or financial pressures that cause students to leave before completing their degrees. Retention rates are critical as they are closely tied to graduation rates and overall student success.
In summary, Illinois Wesleyan University has experienced significant changes in tuition costs, student demographics, and retention rates over the past decade. These trends highlight the financial challenges and demographic shifts facing the institution, necessitating strategic planning to ensure its continued growth and success.
Illinois Wesleyan University Degrees and Majors
The data from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2022 presents notable trends and insights into the popularity and diversity of different academic programs. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse stands out with the highest number of bachelor's degrees conferred (53), reflecting the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This aligns with a broader national trend where healthcare programs have seen increased enrollment due to heightened awareness of the importance of the medical field.
Business-related disciplines also show strong graduation numbers, with Business/Commerce (36), Finance (28), and Accounting (19). This underscores the enduring appeal of business education, driven by its versatility and applicability across various industries. Interestingly, international students are represented in these programs, albeit in small numbers, highlighting the global appeal of business education.
On the other hand, some programs have far fewer graduates. For instance, Chemistry and Mathematics each had only two bachelor's graduates, indicating potential under-enrollment in these traditionally challenging subjects. This could be a signal for the university to investigate ways to make these programs more attractive or accessible to students.
The arts and humanities, represented by programs like Musical Theatre (9), English Language and Literature (4), and various music-related disciplines, show modest graduation numbers. This might reflect broader societal trends where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields are often perceived as more lucrative or secure career paths.
Additionally, certain fields such as Women's Studies, General Literature, and Religion/Religious Studies had no graduates, which may indicate a need for curriculum reevaluation or enhanced recruitment efforts.
Overall, the data highlights the dominance of healthcare and business education, while also pointing to potential areas for growth and development in the natural sciences and humanities. As higher education continues to evolve, understanding these trends is crucial for academic institutions to better align their offerings with student interests and market demands.
Illinois Wesleyan University Ranking and Admission
The data from Illinois Wesleyan University reveals several key trends in admission rates and enrollment over the years from 2009 to 2023. The acceptance rate for male students fluctuated between approximately 41% and 62%, whereas for female students, it ranged from roughly 44% to 64%. This suggests that while there are slight differences in acceptance rates between genders, the university maintains a relatively balanced approach in admissions. Enrollment numbers show a general decline over the years, with a peak of 587 students in 2011 and a low of 378 students in 2018. This trend could be indicative of a broader national issue of declining college enrollments, possibly exacerbated by rising tuition costs and changing perceptions of the value of higher education. Interestingly, the number of students who deferred admission has generally increased, peaking at 1,872 in 2018. This rise in deferrals might be attributed to various factors such as economic uncertainty, the COVID-19 pandemic, or a growing interest in gap years. The university's ranking in 2020 and 2021 is noted at 80, but it drops to 89 by 2022. Rankings can be influenced by many factors, including changes in academic reputation, graduation rates, and financial resources. The drop in ranking might reflect these external pressures or internal shifts within the institution. Overall, Illinois Wesleyan University’s data highlights important trends and challenges faced by many higher education institutions today, such as fluctuating enrollment figures, changing acceptance rates, and the growing trend of deferred admissions. These factors are crucial for policymakers and educators to consider as they navigate the future landscape of higher education.
Illinois Wesleyan University Admission Score Requires
*Numbers at left represent SAT/ACT submitting percentage, numbers on blue blocks represent 25%-75% admission scores
**Drag green block to check data for different years, click blue block to check scores trends
Analysis of Illinois Wesleyan University's Admissions Data
Over the past 16 years, Illinois Wesleyan University has experienced significant fluctuations in the standardized test scores and submission rates of its applicants. From 2007 to 2023, the proportion of admitted students submitting SAT scores varied widely, from as low as 10% in 2018 to a peak of 65% in 2021. This variability aligns with broader trends in higher education, where many institutions have adopted test-optional policies due to concerns about the equity and predictive validity of standardized tests.
The SAT Reading scores for the 25th to 75th percentiles ranged from 490 to 690, indicating a broad spectrum of admitted students' capabilities in this area. However, there is a notable trend of decreasing scores over time, especially between 2014 and 2017, where the lower quartile dropped to 490. Post-2017, the scores appear to stabilize, reflecting possible changes in admissions policies or shifts in the applicant pool.
Similarly, the ACT composite scores for the 25th to 75th percentiles were generally stable, ranging from 25 to 30. This consistency suggests that while the university's SAT-optional policy may have influenced the number of submissions, it did not significantly alter the caliber of students as measured by the ACT.
The dramatic increase in SAT submissions from 2018 (10%) to 2019 (60%) and beyond may be attributed to changes in the university's admissions strategy or external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many students opting for schools with clear test submission guidelines.
In conclusion, Illinois Wesleyan University’s admissions data reflects a dynamic interplay between standardized test policies and student submissions. The fluctuations in test score submissions and scores indicate responsiveness to broader educational trends and potentially strategic shifts to attract diverse applicants.
Illinois Wesleyan University Students Diversity
Analysis of Student Demographics at Illinois Wesleyan University in 2023
In 2023, Illinois Wesleyan University presents a diverse student body with varying demographics across different categories of students. Among the 382 freshmen, the male population stands at approximately 57%, while females constitute around 43%. This group is further divided by ethnicity, with the majority being White students. The undergraduate juniors, the largest group with 1,103 students, display a slightly higher percentage of female students (51%) compared to males (49%). This indicates a more balanced gender distribution among the older undergraduate population.
The transfer students, albeit a small group with just 33 individuals, show a higher male representation at 67%, leaving females at 33%. Such a gender distribution might reflect varying factors influencing transfer decisions among students. Non-degree students constitute the smallest group with only 9 individuals, with males making up 56% and females 44%.
Diving deeper into the ethnic breakdown, the White students dominate each category, which is a trend commonly observed in many U.S. universities. However, it is crucial for the institution to continue fostering inclusivity and increasing diversity in all student categories, including underrepresented groups such as Latino, Asian, and African American students.
These demographic insights highlight the gender and ethnic composition of Illinois Wesleyan University's student body, reflecting broader trends in higher education institutions. As the university continues to evolve, focusing on diversity and inclusion will remain essential to creating a balanced and representative academic community.
Illinois Wesleyan University Students Age Distribution
The age distribution data from Illinois Wesleyan University for 2023 presents an insightful overview of the student demographics based on age and gender. The majority of undergraduate students fall within the 18-21 age range, which is typical for traditional college attendance. Specifically, there are 400 male and 379 female students aged 18-19, and 352 males and 400 females aged 20-21. This indicates a balanced gender representation in these critical age brackets, aligning with common university demographics.
Interestingly, the number of students under 18 is quite low, with only 4 males and 12 females, likely reflecting advanced placement students or those who have graduated high school early. The 22-24 age group shows a marked decrease in numbers, with 55 males and 40 females, which could include students who took gap years or are returning to complete their degrees.
There is a notable drop-off in student numbers as the age increases, with minimal representation in the 25-29 and above age brackets. This is not unusual, as older students often pursue education part-time or through non-traditional means, which may not be fully captured in this dataset. The presence of students in the 30-34, 35-39, 40-49, and 50-64 age groups, albeit minimal, indicates that Illinois Wesleyan University does cater to non-traditional students as well, reflecting a diverse student body.
The absence of data for graduate students (both male and female) in this dataset suggests that the university may not have a significant graduate program or that this specific dataset focuses solely on undergraduate demographics. This could be an area for further development if the university seeks to expand its academic offerings.
Overall, the data reveals a young, predominantly traditional-aged undergraduate population with a balanced gender distribution. This demographic snapshot can help the university tailor its services and support systems to better meet the needs of its students.
Illinois Wesleyan University International Students Trends
International Student Trends at Illinois Wesleyan University
Examining the data on international student enrollment at Illinois Wesleyan University from 2004 to 2023 reveals some interesting trends and insights. Over the 19-year period, the total number of undergraduate students shows a general downward trend, decreasing from 2107 in 2004 to 1527 in 2023. Despite this overall decline in total enrollment, the proportion of international students has seen notable fluctuations.
In the early 2000s, the percentage of international students was relatively low, hovering around 2%. However, there was a significant uptick starting in 2009, where the percentage of international students increased to 3.76% and continued to grow, peaking at 9.32% in 2017. This increase may be attributed to various factors, including Illinois Wesleyan's efforts to attract a more diverse student body, global outreach programs, and the rising interest in U.S. higher education among international students during that period.
Interestingly, after reaching its peak, the proportion of international students began to decline, dropping to 4.60% in 2020 and even further to 2.75% in 2021. This sharp decline coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted international travel and global mobility, affecting universities worldwide. The pandemic's impact on international student enrollment has been widely reported and is consistent with the observed data at Illinois Wesleyan University.
By 2023, the percentage of international students rebounded slightly to 4.65%, suggesting a gradual recovery as global conditions improved. This data highlights the resilience and adaptability of the university in navigating the challenges posed by global events while continuing to foster an inclusive academic environment.
Overall, the trends in international student enrollment at Illinois Wesleyan University reflect broader global patterns and the institution's dynamic response to changing circumstances. As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and what strategies the university employs to maintain and grow its international student population.
Illinois Wesleyan University Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable schools surrounding Illinois Wesleyan University:
University of Chicago: Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News rankings, the University of Chicago is a prestigious private research university known for its strong emphasis on academic research and intellectual rigor.
Northwestern University: Ranked 9th, Northwestern University is a top-tier private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. It is renowned for its diverse programs and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: This public university ranks 35th and is known for its engineering, business, and agricultural programs. It is a major research institution with a significant impact on technology and science.
Purdue University-Main Campus: Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and ranked 43rd, Purdue University is well-known for its engineering, technology, and business programs.
Illinois Institute of Technology: Ranked 98th, this private university in Chicago is renowned for its engineering, architecture, and science programs.
University of Illinois Chicago: This public university holds an 82nd ranking and is noted for its diverse student body and strong programs in health sciences, engineering, and business.
Loyola University Chicago: Ranked 142nd, this private university is known for its strong programs in law, medicine, and business, along with a commitment to social justice.
DePaul University: Ranked 151st, DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the U.S. and is recognized for its business, law, and performing arts programs.
These institutions form a vibrant academic landscape around Illinois Wesleyan University, offering a range of educational opportunities and research collaborations.
Campus Safety
The crime and disciplinary data from Illinois Wesleyan University between 2013 and 2023 reveal a notable trend towards a decrease in incidents over the years. In 2013, the rate of incidents per 1,000 students was a staggering 36.07, but by 2023, this had reduced significantly to 8.64. This downward trend is commendable and suggests effective measures have been implemented to enhance campus safety.
Examining the subdata, we observe that major violent crimes such as murder, manslaughter, and robbery are either nonexistent or extremely rare on campus, indicating that the university is relatively safe from severe violent crimes. However, issues related to drug and alcohol violations, as well as sexual offenses, remain areas of concern. The presence of such incidents, even if in small numbers, highlights the need for ongoing awareness and preventive measures.
The broader context of campus safety in universities across the United States shows a mixed picture. Nationally, there has been a heightened awareness and reporting of sexual misconduct, partly due to movements like #MeToo. Consequently, universities have been under pressure to improve their policies and responses to such offenses. Illinois Wesleyan University’s decreasing crime rates might reflect the efficacy of such initiatives.
Moreover, the data aligns with national trends where universities have invested in better security infrastructure, comprehensive student education programs, and collaborations with local law enforcement to bolster campus safety. The significant drop in the average number of incidents per 1,000 students from 2013 to 2023 at Illinois Wesleyan University is promising.
To sustain and further this positive trend, continuous efforts in crime prevention, student counseling, and fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment are crucial. It is equally important to keep the campus community informed and engaged in safety practices.
You can find more about the calculation of crime rates here: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Reference
- Illinois Wesleyan University Official Website
- USNews Best National Liberal Arts Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
Illinois Wesleyan University Important Facts Trends
Illinois Wesleyan University degrees/majors
Illinois Wesleyan University major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2022 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Business/Commerce, General. | - | |
Accounting. | $70,831 | |
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - | |
Finance, General. | $62,619 | |
Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $56,684 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $75,629 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - | |
Biochemistry. | - | |
Neuroscience. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | $19,490 | |
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology. | $19,490 | |
Acting. | $19,490 | |
Musical Theatre. | $19,490 | |
Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |
Music, General. | - | |
Music Performance, General. | - | |
Music Theory and Composition. | - | |
Keyboard Instruments. | - | |
Voice and Opera. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Psychology, General. | $34,650 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Anthropology, General. | - | |
Economics, General. | - | |
Political Science and Government, General. | - | |
Sociology, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Education, General. | - | |
Elementary Education and Teaching. | $44,923 | |
Secondary Education and Teaching. | $44,923 | |
Music Teacher Education. | $43,737 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Chemistry, General. | - | |
Physics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Environmental Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | - | |
International/Globalization Studies. | - | |
Ancient Studies/Civilization. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Computer Science. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | - | |
Writing, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
History, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Philosophy. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Mathematics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
---|---|---|
Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
Illinois Wesleyan University Schools/Majors Ranking
Under Ranking (2024)
Grad Ranking (2025)
- No Ranking
*Rankings have been updated to 2025USNews schools/majors ranking, rankings are for reference only
*numbers in bracket represent rankings change compare to last version
Illinois Wesleyan University Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 102 | 97 |
Football | 135 | - |
Soccer | 44 | 25 |
Lacrosse | 46 | 21 |
Baseball | 52 | - |
Basketball | 23 | 21 |
Volleyball | 20 | 22 |
Golf | 20 | 13 |
Swimming and Diving (combined) | 10 | 19 |
Softball | - | 21 |
Tennis | 9 | 9 |
Bowling | - | 9 |
NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 82 | 94 |
Football | 139 | - |
Soccer | 44 | 28 |
Lacrosse | 47 | 20 |
Baseball | 46 | - |
Volleyball | 19 | 23 |
Basketball | 22 | 19 |
Swimming and Diving (combined) | 11 | 22 |
Golf | 15 | 14 |
Softball | - | 22 |
Tennis | 10 | 6 |
Bowling | - | 9 |
NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
All Track Combined | 67 | 68 |
Football | 112 | - |
Lacrosse | 56 | 21 |
Soccer | 31 | 25 |
Baseball | 45 | - |
Basketball | 19 | 20 |
Volleyball | 12 | 22 |
Golf | 16 | 13 |
Swimming and Diving | 10 | 19 |
Softball | - | 20 |
Tennis | 9 | 9 |
Bowling | - | 6 |
Illinois Wesleyan University, often abbreviated as IWU, is a private liberal arts college located in Bloomington, Illinois. The university is known for its strong emphasis on a well-rounded education, combining rigorous academics with a vibrant campus life. Founded in 1850, IWU has a long-standing tradition of fostering intellectual and personal growth among its students. The university's campus is picturesque, featuring a blend of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities that create an inviting and conducive environment for learning.
One of the standout features of Illinois Wesleyan University is its commitment to providing a personalized education experience. With a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 11:1, students receive individualized attention and mentorship from highly qualified professors who are both dedicated educators and active scholars in their fields. The university offers a wide range of majors and minors across various disciplines, including strong programs in the arts, sciences, business, and nursing. Additionally, IWU boasts a robust campus culture with numerous student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams that promote community engagement and personal development. Many graduates of IWU go on to excel in their careers, benefiting from the university's strong alumni network and career services that support their professional growth.