Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL

private nonprofitbachelors

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Quick Facts

1,570

Total Students

$56K

Tuition (In-State)

$56K

Tuition (Out-State)

$30K

Avg Net Price

45%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Graduation Rate

6-year

85%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Illinois Wesleyan University

A historic liberal arts institution fostering diversity and academic excellence since 1850.

Illinois Wesleyan University, founded in 1850 in Bloomington, Illinois, stands as a private four-year college with a rich history of academic innovation and inclusive practices. Known for its strong grounding in the liberal arts, the university has long been a beacon for students seeking a comprehensive education that prepares them for diverse career paths and global citizenship.

The institution's commitment to diversity was evident early on, with trustees formally inviting Black students in 1867 and women in 1870. This forward-thinking approach welcomed its first female graduate in 1872 and its first African-American graduate in 1880, showcasing a pioneering spirit. Furthermore, Illinois Wesleyan embraced international perspectives early, welcoming its first international students from Japan in 1889, fostering a globally-minded campus community.

Academically, Illinois Wesleyan is distinguished by its robust College of Liberal Arts, formally organized in 1906, and its vibrant College of Fine Arts, established in 1948, which encompasses schools of art, music, and theatre arts. The university also boasts a respected School of Nursing, which evolved from an initial partnership in 1923 to a comprehensive four-year baccalaureate program established in 1959, demonstrating a commitment to professional education. While the university historically operated a School of Law from 1873 to 1928, its enduring legacy is built on a foundation of holistic education across its key colleges.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1850, making it one of the oldest private colleges in Illinois.
✦Pioneering in diversity, formally inviting Black students in 1867 and women in 1870.
✦Welcomed first international students in 1889, fostering global perspectives.
✦Offers a strong College of Liberal Arts and a comprehensive College of Fine Arts (Art, Music, Theatre Arts).
✦Established a four-year baccalaureate IWU School of Nursing program in 1959.
✦Produced its first African-American graduate in 1880, earning a law degree.

Timeline

1850

Founded as a private four-year college in Bloomington, Illinois.

1867

Board of trustees formally invited Black students to enroll.

1870

Board of trustees formally invited women to enroll.

1872

First female graduate, Hannah I. Shur, received her diploma.

1873

A School of Law began operation.

1880

Gus A. Hill became the first African-American graduate, earning a law degree.

1889

First international students, Y. Osawa and K. Tanaka, arrived from Japan.

1906

The College of Liberal Arts was formally organized.

1928

The School of Law ceased operation.

1948

The College of Fine Arts (combining schools of art, music, and theatre arts) was established.

1959

The IWU School of Nursing was established with a four-year baccalaureate program.

2021

Sanctioned by the AAUP for violating academic governance standards.

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within Illinois Wesleyan University

🎭

College of Liberal Arts

Formally organized in 1906, offering a broad range of academic disciplines.

🎭

College of Fine Arts

Established in 1948, combining schools of art, music, and theatre arts.

💉

IWU School of Nursing

Established in 1959, offering a four-year baccalaureate program.

⚖️

School of Law (historical)

Operated from 1873 to 1928, producing the university's first African-American graduate.

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