Benedictine University vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedictine University in Lisle, IL with Iowa State University in Ames, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than Benedictine University based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 2,917 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedictine University is located in Lisle, IL (Large Suburban setting); Iowa State University is in Ames, IA (Small City setting).
• Benedictine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedictine University 15:1; Iowa State University 18:1.

Benedictine University vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedictine 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 Iowa State University than Benedictine University ($17,779 vs. $23,139).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 0.4% lower than at Benedictine University ($10,808 vs. $10,850).
• Benedictine University is 233.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $25,153 more per year; $35,940.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.4% higher at Benedictine University than at Iowa State University (about $7,059 more per year; $35,940.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedictine University than at Iowa State University (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedictine University students is 112.3% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($22,911 vs. $10,791).

Benedictine University vs. ISU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedictine University or ISU? 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 ISU and Benedictine University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 70 points higher than at Benedictine University (1170).
• Incoming ISU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Benedictine University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Benedictine University 1050/1280; Iowa State University 1120/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Benedictine University 19/28; Iowa State University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedictine University - Test optional; ISU - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman ISU students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Benedictine University (3.26).
• Benedictine University has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than ISU (88.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Benedictine University vs. 28.8% at ISU.

Benedictine University vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedictine University and ISU? 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.

• Iowa State University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Benedictine University's (49%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Benedictine University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have a $1,568 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($22,300 vs. $23,868).
• Among borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($230 vs. $246).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedictine University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 56%)

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.