Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college located in Bloomington, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1850, it is known for its selective undergraduate programs, emphasizing the arts, humanities, and sciences. The university's central campus was established in 1854, with the first building erected in 1856.

History

Illinois Wesleyan was founded to provide a well-rounded education, initially focusing on liberal arts and later expanding to include fine arts and professional programs. The College of Liberal Arts was formally organized in 1906, while the College of Fine Arts, encompassing schools of art, music, and theater, was established in 1948. The School of Nursing began offering a four-year baccalaureate program in 1959. Notably, Illinois Wesleyan had a School of Law from 1873 to 1928. The institution welcomed its first international students from Japan in 1889 and took steps to include African-American students in 1867 and female students in 1870.

Academics

Illinois Wesleyan offers over 42 majors and minors, with popular programs in Nursing, Business, Psychology, Finance, and Biology. It maintains a student/faculty ratio of 11:1, with an average class size of about 18 students. The university is renowned for its academic rigor, with more than 9 out of 10 students receiving scholarships or need-based assistance.

Programs and Features

• College Structure: The university is structured into the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Fine Arts (which includes the Schools of Art, Music, and Theatre Arts), and the School of Nursing & Health Sciences.
• 4-4-1 Academic Calendar: Illinois Wesleyan uses a unique academic calendar, known as the 4-4-1 system. This includes a May Term that offers intensive courses, often used for curricular experimentation, service projects, study abroad opportunities, and internships.
• Research Opportunities: Faculty at IWU actively involve students in research projects, providing hands-on experience.

Campus and Facilities

The university occupies approximately 83 acres in Bloomington. Notable facilities include the Ames Library, completed in 2002, which houses over 368,000 volumes and various special collections. The campus also features multiple residence halls, fraternity houses, and sorority houses.

Student Life

Illinois Wesleyan has a vibrant campus life with over 100 student organizations. It hosts both fraternity and sorority chapters, with about 19% of students participating in fraternities and 21% in sororities. The university is also recognized for its strong NCAA Division III athletic program, producing numerous Academic All-Americans.

Community Engagement & Job Placement

The university encourages local community involvement and boasts high job placement rates. Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan achieve noteworthy career success, with 98.7% of the Class of 2023 employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating. It ranks highly for social mobility and job placement among small schools in Illinois.

Financial and Operational Details

Illinois Wesleyan has an endowment valued at over $262 million and operates with a university budget of approximately $70 million. The institution is accredited by relevant bodies and holds membership in several academic organizations, including the Annapolis Group and Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

Rankings and Recognition

Illinois Wesleyan is recognized for its academic excellence, ranking highly in various national assessments. It is noted for its ability to prepare students for both graduate studies and professional careers effectively.