CSU vs. University of Illinois Springfield

Comparable Facts

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

University of Illinois Springfield is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (4,628 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of Illinois Springfield is in Springfield, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Illinois Springfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; University of Illinois Springfield 13:1.

CSU vs. University of Illinois Springfield Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or University of Illinois Springfield? 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 University of Illinois Springfield ($10,441 vs. $10,809).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 5.7% lower than at University of Illinois Springfield ($11,550 vs. $12,242).
• Chicago State University is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Illinois Springfield (about $502 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $12,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.6% higher at University of Illinois Springfield than at Chicago State University (about $9,263 more per year; $22,017.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at University of Illinois Springfield (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 24.1% larger than aid received by University of Illinois Springfield students ($18,194 vs. $14,666).

CSU vs. University of Illinois Springfield Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or University of Illinois Springfield? 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 University of Illinois Springfield and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Springfield (1070) is 210 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming University of Illinois Springfield students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; University of Illinois Springfield 940/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; University of Illinois Springfield 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; University of Illinois Springfield - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Illinois Springfield students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at CSU (3.18).
• University of Illinois Springfield has a higher acceptance rate (85.9%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 12.6% at University of Illinois Springfield.

CSU vs. University of Illinois Springfield Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and University of Illinois Springfield? 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).

• University of Illinois Springfield's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from University of Illinois Springfield earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have a $12,457 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($18,793 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($194 vs. $323).
• More University of Illinois Springfield 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.