CSU vs. Allen College

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with Allen College in Waterloo, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Chicago State University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Allen College is in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Allen College 8:1.

CSU vs. Allen College Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 23.8% lower than at Chicago State University ($8,800 vs. $11,550).
• Allen College is 53% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $6,762 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53% higher at Allen College than at Chicago State University (about $6,762 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Allen College (99% vs. 0%).

CSU vs. Allen College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Allen College? 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 Allen College and CSU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Allen College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027.

CSU vs. Allen College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Allen College? 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).

• Allen College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($16,750 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($173 vs. $323).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.