CSU vs. Lewis University

Comparable Facts

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

Lewis University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (7,011 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Lewis University is in Romeoville, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lewis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Lewis University 13:1.

CSU vs. Lewis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Lewis 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 Lewis University ($10,441 vs. $18,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 4.9% lower than at Lewis University ($11,550 vs. $12,140).
• Lewis University is 207.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $26,446 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 207.4% higher at Lewis University than at Chicago State University (about $26,446 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University than at Chicago State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 57.8% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($28,717 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. Lewis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Lewis 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 Lewis University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lewis University (1090) is 230 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Lewis University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Lewis University 960/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Lewis University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Lewis University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lewis University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Lewis University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 15.3% at Lewis University.

CSU vs. Lewis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Lewis 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).

• Lewis University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Lewis University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,500 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lewis University graduates have a $6,625 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($24,625 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Lewis University graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($254 vs. $323).
• More Lewis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.