Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a four-year, private co-educational university. The university strives to attain the ideals of liberal education by providing students with opportunities to realize individual potential while at the same time, preparing students for life in a global society Offering diverse curricula in liberal arts, fine arts and professional programs, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary study and off-campus learning, Illinois Wesleyan allows students to pursue a wide variety of interests and career paths. Personal growth is cherished at Illinois Wesleyan, and the small size and dedication to student-faculty interaction imbues the university with a real sense of community, an atmosphere that is particularly conducive to both personal and intellectual development.

 

STUDENT PROFILE
# of degree-seeking undergraduates      2,064
% male/female                                             41/59
% African American                                             6
% American Indian or Alaska Native              <1
% Asian or Pacific Islander                                5
% Hispanic                                                           3
% White                                                               76
% International                                                     4
% Pell grant recipients                                     11
First-generation and minority alumni Alfred O. Coffin, class of 1889, first African-American to receive a Ph.D. in biology in the U.S. and only the second Ph.D. awarded in any field to an African-American; Frankie Faison, actor; Akito Mizuno, CEO, Mizuno; Michael Mason, assistant director, Chief Security Officer, Verizon