CSU vs. North Park University

Comparable Facts

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

North Park University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (2,557 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); North Park University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; North Park University 12:1.

CSU vs. North Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or North Park 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 North Park University ($10,441 vs. $20,372).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Park University are 4% lower than at Chicago State University ($11,090 vs. $11,550).
• North Park University is 187.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $23,956 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 187.8% higher at North Park University than at Chicago State University (about $23,956 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Park University than at Chicago State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 34.5% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($24,476 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. North Park University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Park University (1030) is 170 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming North Park 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; North Park University 890/1162.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; North Park University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; North Park University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at North Park University (3.14).
• North Park University has a higher acceptance rate (68.5%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 14.3% at North Park University.

CSU vs. North Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and North Park 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).

• North Park University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from North Park University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Park University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($26,250 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, North Park University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($271 vs. $323).
• More North Park University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.