CSU vs. Spalding

Comparable Facts

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

Chicago State University is larger than Spalding based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CSU vs. Spalding Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Spalding? 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 Spalding ($10,441 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 15.9% lower than at Chicago State University ($9,710 vs. $11,550).
• Spalding University is 128.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $16,446 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 128.9% higher at Spalding than at Chicago State University (about $16,446 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Chicago State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 6.8% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($19,429 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. Spalding Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Spalding? 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 Spalding and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spalding University (960) is 100 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Spalding students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Spalding University 875/1038.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Spalding University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Spalding - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.69 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 15.6% at Spalding.

CSU vs. Spalding Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Spalding? 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).

• Spalding University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Spalding University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spalding University graduates have a $6,250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Spalding graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($258 vs. $323).
• More Spalding graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.