CSU vs. Rockford University

Comparable Facts

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

Chicago State University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CSU vs. Rockford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Rockford 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 Rockford University ($10,441 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 1.1% lower than at Chicago State University ($11,420 vs. $11,550).
• Rockford University is 196.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $25,026 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 196.2% higher at Rockford University than at Chicago State University (about $25,026 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Rockford University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 41.1% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($25,671 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. Rockford University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockford University (960) is 100 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Rockford 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; Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Rockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Rockford University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Rockford University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 13.4% at Rockford University.

CSU vs. Rockford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Rockford 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).

• Rockford University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $6,250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($258 vs. $323).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.