CSU vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Chicago State University is larger than Marian University based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 1,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Marian University 11:1.

CSU vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Marian 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 Marian University ($10,441 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 14.7% lower than at Chicago State University ($9,849 vs. $11,550).
• Marian University is 175.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $22,424 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 175.8% higher at Marian University than at Chicago State University (about $22,424 more per year; $35,178.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marian University than at Chicago State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marian University students is 19.8% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($21,805 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marian University (940) is 80 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Marian University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Marian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Marian University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• Marian University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 18% at Marian University.

CSU vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Marian 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).

• Marian University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Marian University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marian University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Marian University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($279 vs. $323).
• More Marian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.