Introduction
Selecting the right college for your future education is a crucial decision that can impact your life and career. This comprehensive comparison between Illinois College and Wheaton College will provide you with essential information about these two institutions. By examining various aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus, and outcomes, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision in choosing the school that best fits your needs and interests.
Illinois College Overview
Illinois College, founded in 1829, is a private liberal arts college located in Jacksonville, Illinois. It has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with various opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs. The college offers undergraduate degrees in over 45 majors and pre-professional programs, with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1.
Illinois College Costs & Tuition
For the 2020-2021 academic year, the tuition at Illinois College is $33,090. Room and board costs are approximately $10,370, bringing the total cost of attendance to around $43,460 per year. However, 99% of students receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study programs, with an average aid package of $23,664.
Illinois College Admissions
Illinois College has a rolling admissions policy, with an acceptance rate of 76%. The application deadline is August 1st, but it’s recommended to apply early for better chances of receiving financial aid. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score range of 20-26 and an SAT score range of 1030-1230. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.4.
Illinois College Degrees Offered
At Illinois College, you can choose from over 45 majors and pre-professional programs, including popular fields such as Business Administration, Education, Biology, and Psychology. The college also offers an Honors Program, which allows exceptional students to engage in advanced coursework, research, and community service.
Illinois College Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 16 students, Illinois College provides a personalized learning environment for its students. The college emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, with internships, research, and study abroad opportunities available for various fields.
Illinois College Diversity
Illinois College has a diverse student body, with 61% of students identifying as white, 15% as Hispanic, 12% as Black, 1% as Asian, and 11% as multi-racial or unknown. The gender distribution is approximately 45% male and 55% female.
Illinois College Students
The college has a total enrollment of approximately 1,000 students, with 94% of them being undergraduate students. The majority (81%) live on campus, and there are over 80 student organizations and clubs to participate in, ranging from academic to social and recreational.
Illinois College Campus
The Illinois College campus spans 80 acres in Jacksonville, Illinois, and features a mix of historic and modern facilities. The college has a commitment to sustainability and green initiatives, with several LEED-certified buildings on campus.
Illinois College Alumni
Illinois College has produced notable alumni in various fields, including William Jennings Bryan, a three-time presidential nominee and former U.S. Secretary of State, and Ron Zook, a former head football coach at the University of Florida and the University of Illinois.
Illinois College Rankings
In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Illinois College ranked #145 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #177 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Illinois College Outcomes
The college reports that 99% of its graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Illinois College graduates is $39,000.
Wheaton College Overview
Wheaton College, established in 1860, is a private Christian liberal arts college located in Wheaton, Illinois. The college is known for its strong commitment to integrating faith and learning, offering over 40 undergraduate majors, as well as graduate programs in various fields. Wheaton College’s student-faculty ratio is 11:1.
Wheaton College Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Wheaton College for the 2020-2021 academic year is $37,700. Room and board costs are approximately $10,370, making the total cost of attendance around $48,070 per year. Financial aid is available, with 79% of students receiving some form of assistance, and the average aid package is $30,226.
Wheaton College Admissions
Wheaton College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 83%. The application deadline is January 15th, with an early action deadline of November 15th. Admitted students typically have an ACT score range of 25-32 and an SAT score range of 1190-1390. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.8.
Wheaton College Degrees Offered
With over 40 undergraduate majors and various graduate programs, Wheaton College offers degrees in fields such as Business, Education, Psychology, Biology, and Theology. The college also provides a strong emphasis on integrating Christian faith with academic pursuits.
Wheaton College Academics
Wheaton College has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 23 students, offering a personalized learning experience. The college is also committed to a global perspective, with study abroad programs and mission trips available for students.
Wheaton College Diversity
The student body at Wheaton College is 68% white, 13% multi-racial or unknown, 9% Hispanic, 4% Black, and 4% Asian. The gender distribution is approximately 40% male and 60% female.
Wheaton College Students
There are approximately 2,400 undergraduate students and 800 graduate students enrolled at Wheaton College. The campus is home to over 100 student clubs and organizations, ranging from academic to intramural sports and ministry opportunities.
Wheaton College Campus
Wheaton College’s campus spans 80 acres in the suburban setting of Wheaton, Illinois. The campus features a mix of historic and modern facilities, with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Wheaton College Alumni
Notable alumni from Wheaton College include evangelist Billy Graham, former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, and award-winning singer-songwriter Jon Foreman.
Wheaton College Rankings
In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Wheaton College ranked #64 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #51 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Wheaton College Outcomes
Wheaton College reports that 95% of its graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Wheaton College graduates is $44,000.
Illinois College vs Wheaton College Cost Comparison
The total cost of attendance at Illinois College is approximately $43,460 per year, while at Wheaton College, it’s around $48,070. However, both schools offer financial aid packages to help offset the costs. At Illinois College, the average aid package is $23,664, and at Wheaton College, it’s $30,226.
Illinois College vs Wheaton College Admissions Difficulty
Both schools have competitive admissions processes, with Wheaton College being slightly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 83% compared to Illinois College’s 76%. When comparing the average ACT and SAT scores and high school GPAs of admitted students, Wheaton College has slightly higher ranges than Illinois College.
Illinois College vs Wheaton College Academic Difficulty
Both colleges have a similar student-faculty ratio of 11:1, providing personalized learning experiences for students. While Wheaton College is ranked higher in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, both institutions offer a strong emphasis on experiential learning, internships, and study abroad programs.
Illinois College vs Wheaton College Outcome Comparison
Illinois College reports a higher percentage of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation (99%) compared to Wheaton College (95%). However, the average starting salary for Wheaton College graduates is slightly higher at $44,000, compared to $39,000 for Illinois College graduates.
