CSU vs. Milikin

Comparable Facts

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

Chicago State University is larger than Milikin based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 1,586 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Millikin University is in Decatur, IL (Small City setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Millikin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Millikin University 10:1.

CSU vs. Milikin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Milikin? 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 Milikin ($10,441 vs. $22,813).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 15.7% lower than at Millikin University ($11,550 vs. $13,695).
• Millikin University is 110.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $14,138 more per year; $26,892.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.9% higher at Milikin than at Chicago State University (about $14,138 more per year; $26,892.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Millikin University than at Chicago State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Millikin University students is 90.9% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($34,733 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. Milikin Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Millikin University (1000) is 140 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Milikin students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Millikin University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Millikin University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Milikin - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Milikin students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Milikin has a higher acceptance rate (66.7%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 10% at Milikin.

CSU vs. Milikin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Milikin? 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).

• Millikin University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Millikin University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Millikin University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Milikin graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($279 vs. $323).
• More Milikin 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.