Illinois Wesleyan University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Test-optional does not mean scores are irrelevant at Illinois Wesleyan: with a 39% admit rate and a 3.82 average GPA, a strong SAT can still strengthen your application. If you submit scores, aim for the upper half of the admitted range, around 1220 to 1320.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Illinois Wesleyan University facts and stats
Illinois Wesleyan University enrolls 1,582 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Illinois Wesleyan has an 80% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 75% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
Bloomington, IL
How do your scores compare at Illinois Wesleyan?
Key Illinois Wesleyan University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
March 15
Early Action
November 15
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
March 15
Financial Aid Priority
November 1
Test dates
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
November 7, 2026
Registration deadline: October 23, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Illinois Wesleyan is test-optional, use this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by spring of junior year, then reserve the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes; for the November 15 Early Action deadline, an October retake is typically the last one whose scores will arrive in time.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Illinois Wesleyan University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Illinois Wesleyan is a private not-for-profit, so the same $57,704 tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Many students receive aid, with 76% on aid and an average merit award of $32,651. Submit the FAFSA by the November 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
Illinois Wesleyan’s listed cost of attendance is about $71,074, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is a major part of the pricing picture, with 76% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $51,231. Merit awards are also significant, averaging $32,651. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $40,508.
Student life at Illinois Wesleyan University
81% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 17% of men join fraternities, and 21% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, ILAcceptance rate: 54.9%
SAT: 1190–1390
ACT: 26–32
Judson University
Elgin, ILAcceptance rate: 47.6%
SAT: 910–1140
ACT: 16–24
The Chicago School
Chicago, ILAcceptance rate: 34.5%
Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, ILAcceptance rate: 56.8%
SAT: 1230–1400
ACT: 28–32
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.