CSU vs. New Mexico Highlands University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

New Mexico Highlands University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (2,704 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); New Mexico Highlands University is in Las Vegas, NM (Remote Town setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. New Mexico Highlands University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; New Mexico Highlands University 10:1.

CSU vs. New Mexico Highlands University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or New Mexico Highlands 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 New Mexico Highlands University ($10,441 vs. $11,062).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at New Mexico Highlands University are 12.4% lower than at Chicago State University ($10,116 vs. $11,550).
• Chicago State University is 72% more expensive for in-state tuition than New Mexico Highlands University (about $5,338 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $7,416.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at CSU than at New Mexico Highlands University (about $418 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $12,336.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at New Mexico Highlands University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 87.1% larger than aid received by New Mexico Highlands University students ($18,194 vs. $9,722).

CSU vs. New Mexico Highlands University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or New Mexico Highlands 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 New Mexico Highlands University and CSU.

• New Mexico Highlands University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; New Mexico Highlands University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman New Mexico Highlands University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at CSU (3.18).

CSU vs. New Mexico Highlands University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and New Mexico Highlands 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).

• The graduation rate at CSU is the same as at New Mexico Highlands University (21% vs. 21%).
• Graduates from Chicago State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than New Mexico Highlands University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,300 vs. $36,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, New Mexico Highlands University graduates have a $18,248 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($13,002 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, New Mexico Highlands University graduates have an estimated $189 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($134 vs. $323).
• More New Mexico Highlands University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.