CSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Chicago State University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

CSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University than CSU ($9,541 vs. $10,441).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 8.2% lower than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University ($11,550 vs. $12,580).
• Chicago State University is 141.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $7,474 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at Potomac State College of West Virginia University than at Chicago State University (about $446 more per year; $13,200.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 164.1% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($18,194 vs. $6,890).

CSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University and CSU.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia 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; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (3.06).

CSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Potomac State College of West Virginia 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).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $7,249 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($24,001 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($248 vs. $323).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.