CSU vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

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

Chicago State University is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Rochester University is in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Rochester University 13:1.

CSU vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Rochester 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 Rochester University ($10,441 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 9.2% lower than at Chicago State University ($10,486 vs. $11,550).
• Rochester University is 128.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $16,442 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 128.9% higher at Rochester University than at Chicago State University (about $16,442 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Chicago State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 8.1% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($19,674 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rochester University (950) is 90 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Rochester 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; Rochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Rochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 22.2% at Rochester University.

CSU vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Rochester 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).

• Rochester University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Chicago State University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,300 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $6,847 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($24,403 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($252 vs. $323).
• More Rochester University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (45% 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.