Illinois Wesleyan has long been known for the economic diversity of its student body. Our students come from small towns, big cities, suburbs and faraway places. Their parents range from professionals and family farmers to blue-collar workers and small business owners to shop clerks and government workers. We truly feel that this diversity enhances the learning experience on campus. Therefore, each year Illinois Wesleyan allocates over $27 million to a wide range of financial assistance programs so that talented and deserving students from many different circumstances have the opportunity to attend the University. More than two-thirds of our students are awarded merit or talent scholarships and more than half receive need-based grants, sometimes in addition to a previously offered scholarship. The overwhelming majority of these funds are made possible by the generosity of alumni and friends of the University. Overall, more than 90% of students qualify for some type of gift assistance from Illinois Wesleyan.