Arkansas State University vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR with Illinois State University in Normal, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Arkansas State University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 15,726 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); Illinois State University is in Normal, IL (Small City setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; Illinois State University 19:1.

Arkansas State University vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas State University or ISU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Arkansas State University than ISU ($12,410 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas State University are 1.7% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,550 vs. $11,754).
• Illinois State University is 99.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $8,054 more per year; $16,144.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.3% higher at ISU than at Arkansas State University (about $13,688 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arkansas State University than at Illinois State University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arkansas State University students is 3.2% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($13,395 vs. $12,974).

Arkansas State University vs. ISU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas State University or ISU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between ISU and Arkansas State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 20 points higher than at Arkansas State University (1080).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Arkansas State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; Illinois State University 990/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; Illinois State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; ISU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas State University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Arkansas State University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 22.5% at ISU.

Arkansas State University vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas State University and ISU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($19,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($201 vs. $227).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.