BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduates to earn their college degree, according to The Princeton Review’s 2027 college guide, The Best 392 Colleges; TIME’s list of America’s Best Colleges of 2026-2027; and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2027.
The Princeton Review chose the 392 colleges for the book based on its surveys in 2025-2026 of 2,000 college administrators about their school’s academic offerings. The company also surveyed students who rated their schools on dozens of topics and reported on their campus experiences. Only about 14% of America’s nearly 2,800 four-year colleges are in the book — only 11 colleges and universities in Illinois.
Also released last month, Illinois Wesleyan is named on TIME’s list of America’s Best Colleges of 2026-2027, which recognizes the colleges that excel at student outcomes, learning environment, and attractiveness to students. Ranked No. 160 nationally, Illinois Wesleyan University is the highest-ranked small private liberal arts university outside the Chicago metro area in Illinois and the neighboring states of Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin.
Released Sept. 22, U.S. News & World Report’s best college rankings once again put Illinois Wesleyan at No. 2 out of 89 for regional colleges in the Midwest. IWU was also ranked No. 4 in top performers on social mobility in the Midwest; No. 3 for undergraduate teaching programs; and No. 3 for best value schools in the region.
The Princeton Review does not rank the colleges in its guide from 1 to 392. Illinois Wesleyan has been included in this annual unranked listing of Best Colleges every year since the list’s inception.
In its profile of Illinois Wesleyan, The Princeton Review describes the University as a community that “invites you to make the most of your education and is ready to bend over backwards to ensure you enjoy your experience,” based on comments from students surveyed for the project.
Student statements described Illinois Wesleyan as “an underrated gem that is always trying to give students opportunities that are beyond what most schools can give” and “a small school that oozes big opportunities.” Students also praised IWU professors as “brilliant and accessible” and “insightful” individuals who are “the best in their field.”
Other comments highlighted IWU’s faculty engagement and opportunities for students, including research experiences in which professors “often include students in helping them.”
Illinois Wesleyan’s connected campus culture was also noted, with students stating that “people are very receptive to getting work done together” and that “everyone has friends in other departments and organizations.”
Illinois Wesleyan’s no-fee application is now open for the incoming class of 2027. To learn more and apply, visit www.iwu.edu/apply.