CSU vs. Maharishi International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with Maharishi International University in Fairfield, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Maharishi International University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (2,592 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Maharishi International University is in Fairfield, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Maharishi International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Maharishi International University 13:1.

CSU vs. Maharishi International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Maharishi International 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 Maharishi International University ($10,441 vs. $16,281).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Maharishi International University are 35.9% lower than at Chicago State University ($7,400 vs. $11,550).
• Maharishi International University is 29.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $3,776 more per year; $16,530.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.6% higher at Maharishi International University than at Chicago State University (about $3,776 more per year; $16,530.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Maharishi International University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 58.3% larger than aid received by Maharishi International University students ($18,194 vs. $11,496).

CSU vs. Maharishi International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Maharishi International 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 Maharishi International University 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; Maharishi International University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Maharishi International University Jul 30, 2027.
• Maharishi International University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 75.3% at Maharishi International University.

CSU vs. Maharishi International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Maharishi International 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).

• Maharishi International University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Chicago State University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Maharishi International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,300 vs. $29,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chicago State University graduates have a $7,787 lower median loan debt than Maharishi International University graduates ($31,250 vs. $39,037).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Maharishi International University graduates ($323 vs. $403).
• More Maharishi International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.