CSU vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

CSU vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University ($10,441 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 6.4% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,550 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $580 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Southern Illinois University than at Chicago State University (about $580 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 33.7% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($18,194 vs. $13,610).

CSU vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 170 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Southern Illinois University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

CSU vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Southern Illinois 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).

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $8,750 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($22,500 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($232 vs. $323).
• More Southern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.