CSU vs. Alcorn State University

Comparable Facts

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

Alcorn State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (2,995 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Alcorn State University is in Alcorn State, MS (Distant Rural setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Alcorn State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Alcorn State University 16:1.

CSU vs. Alcorn State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Alcorn State University? 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 Chicago State University than Alcorn State University ($10,441 vs. $12,376).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 5.4% lower than at Alcorn State University ($11,550 vs. $12,204).
• Chicago State University is 45.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alcorn State University (about $3,969 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.2% higher at CSU than at Alcorn State University (about $3,969 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Alcorn State University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 59.9% larger than aid received by Alcorn State University students ($18,194 vs. $11,375).

CSU vs. Alcorn State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Alcorn State University? 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 Alcorn State University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chicago State University (860) is 30 points higher than at Alcorn State University (830).
• Incoming CSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at Alcorn State University (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Alcorn State University 670/998.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Alcorn State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Alcorn State University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Alcorn State University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Alcorn State University has a higher acceptance rate (45.3%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 20.6% at Alcorn State University.

CSU vs. Alcorn State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Alcorn State University? 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).

• Alcorn State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Chicago State University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Alcorn State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,300 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alcorn State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($28,250 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Alcorn State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($292 vs. $323).
• More Alcorn State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (34% 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.