Athens State University vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Athens State University in Athens, AL with Chicago State University in Chicago, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Athens State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (2,986 students vs. 2,238 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Athens State University is located in Athens, AL (Town Fringe setting); Chicago State University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Athens State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Athens State University 14:1; Chicago State University 9:1.

Athens State University vs. CSU Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between Chicago State University and Athens State University ($12,754.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between CSU and Athens State University ($12,754.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Athens State University (99% vs. 0%).

Athens State University vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Athens State University or CSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CSU and Athens State University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresChicago State University 750/963.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresChicago State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Athens State University - Not reported; CSU - Test-free.

Athens State University vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Athens State University and CSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Chicago State University's six-year graduation rate is 21%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Athens State University.
• Graduates from Athens State University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Athens State University graduates have a $12,716 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($18,534 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Athens State University graduates have an estimated $132 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($191 vs. $323).
• More Athens State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 25%)

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.