Acceptance Rate
87%
Avg. SAT
1470
75th percentile
“Faith-infused liberal arts haven where Billy Graham studied amid Chicago suburbs.”
Wheaton, IL
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Wheaton College traces its roots to 1860, when abolitionist Jonathan Blanchard established it in Wheaton, Illinois, as a bastion of evangelical education committed to integrating Christian faith with scholarship. Today, it stands as a nondenominational Protestant liberal arts college that requires students to affirm a statement of faith, drawing those who seek a rigorous academic environment grounded in biblical worldview. You'll find a close-knit community of about 2,500 undergraduates who thrive on purposeful discussions blending intellect and spirituality, often heading off for weekend service projects or missions trips.
The campus sits in a leafy, affluent suburb 25 miles west of downtown Chicago, offering easy Metra train access to the city while maintaining a quieter, family-friendly pace. Students who embrace structured faith formation and collaborative learning fit best here, but those preferring secular or loosely religious settings may find the mandatory chapel attendance and community covenant challenging. High living costs in the area add to expenses beyond tuition, though the suburban safety and green spaces provide a peaceful backdrop for study.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Wheaton emphasizes interdisciplinary liberal arts with standout programs in biblical and theological studies, biology, business, and music, where professors weave faith perspectives into coursework. With a 10-to-1 student-faculty ratio, you'll experience seminar-style classes and personal mentorship rather than massive lectures, fostering deep dives into subjects like the Wade Center's Inklings collections on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Research opportunities abound for undergrads, from Billy Graham Center archives to science labs, though popular majors like nursing fill quickly.
The intellectual culture rewards curiosity and conviction, with daily chapel sparking campus-wide reflections on current events through a Christian lens. Tradeoffs include limited spots in competitive programs and a focus on humanities and sciences over engineering or large-scale vocational training.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
2,150 undergrad • 724 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
67%
Black / African American
3%
Hispanic / Latino
7%
Asian
9%
Other / Multi-racial
13%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Wheaton, IL
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life revolves around residential halls where freshmen bond in all-upperclassmen communities, complete with house events and inter-hall competitions that build lasting friendships. Traditions like the Autumn Chapel Series and senior thesis defenses punctuate the year, alongside over 100 clubs from a cappella groups to debate teams. A typical week mixes classes, three chapel services, study groups, and Thursday night games or coffeehouse open mics, with weekends often involving service at local shelters or trips to Chicago's museums.
The vibe stays wholesome and service-oriented, with a dry policy steering social scenes toward bonfires and game nights rather than parties. Suburban location means relying on campus shuttles or trains for urban outings, and harsh Midwest winters can confine you indoors, but the strong community support eases the transition for out-of-staters.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$17,118
$30K – $48K
$13,676
$48K – $75K
$19,167
$75K – $110K
$23,680
$110K+
$33,281
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
93%
4 Years Graduation Rate
84%
6 Years Graduation Rate
89%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$63,756
93% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Wheaton College and return in the fall. 84% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 89% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
84%
4-6 years
5%
Non-grad
11%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$41,990
Acceptance
87%
Undergrads
2,150
4-Year Grad Rate
84%
Endowment
$515M
Wheaton, IL 60187-5593
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