Experiential learning is a hallmark of an Illinois Wesleyan University education. Students conduct research, create prototypes and start-ups, participate in internships, take part in community service and study abroad in more than 70 countries.

At IWU, you’ll have opportunities to marry the questions that you’re passionate about to hands-on projects and faculty-guided research. You can travel the world to satisfy your curiosity - and to differentiate you to prospective employers or graduate schools. More than 70% of our students complete an internship.

IWU ranked #7 in the nation (#1 in Illinois) on Zippia’s most recent list of “The Best Colleges for Getting a Job,” based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. Six years after graduation, IWU students earn more than $30,000 above the national average for college grads.

Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan is located in Bloomington-Normal (130,000 population), midway between Chicago and St. Louis. We provide an undergraduate-only learning environment to 1,600 diverse students. Accounting, biology, business, entrepreneurship, nursing and psychology are among our very popular majors. The average class size is 16.

The Washington Monthly evaluates colleges based on contributions to society in three broad categories: Social mobility, research, and promoting public service. IWU consistently ranks among the top ten schools in the nation. IWU also excels in athletics, sweeping 7 national Division III championships and more than 150 conference championships in the past 25 years. We award more than $50 millions in scholarships and grants every year.

About Illinois Wesleyan University

Perhaps you think because you've heard of another Wesleyan in another state, you know us. We'd like to politely challenge that. We're the Wesleyan that's ranked #7 in the nation (#1 in Illinois) for placing our graduates in successful careers or grad school*, and the #1 small school with the highest earning graduates in our state!

Mission Statement

Illinois Wesleyan University, an independent, residential, liberal arts university founded in 1850, strives to attain the ideal of a liberal education while providing unique opportunities with distinctive curricula and programs. A liberal education at Illinois Wesleyan fosters creativity, critical thinking, effective communication, strength of character and a spirit of inquiry. Our curriculum deepens the specialized knowledge of a discipline with a comprehensive world view. The Illinois Wesleyan experience affords the greatest possibilities for realizing individual potential while preparing students for democratic citizenship and life in a global society. As the University pursues this ideal for all of our students, we help students to follow a wide range of career and life paths, offering diverse curricula in liberal arts, fine arts and professional programs as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary study and off-campus learning. The University through our policies, programs and practices is committed to diversity, social justice and environmental sustainability. A tightly knit, supportive university community, together with a variety of opportunities for close interaction with excellent faculty, both challenges and supports students in their personal and intellectual development.