CSU vs. University of St Francis

Comparable Facts

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

University of St Francis is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (3,074 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 St Francis is in Joliet, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of St Francis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; University of St Francis 15:1.

CSU vs. University of St Francis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or University of St Francis? 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 St Francis ($10,441 vs. $14,045).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 3.6% lower than at University of St Francis ($11,550 vs. $11,980).
• University of St Francis is 198.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $25,356 more per year; $38,110.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 198.8% higher at University of St Francis than at Chicago State University (about $25,356 more per year; $38,110.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of St Francis than at Chicago State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Francis students is 75.9% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($31,998 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. University of St Francis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or University of St Francis? 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 St Francis and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of St Francis (1130) is 270 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming University of St Francis students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; University of St Francis 1030/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; University of St Francis 20/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; University of St Francis - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Francis Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of St Francis students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at CSU (3.18).
• University of St Francis has a higher acceptance rate (65.3%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 14.2% at University of St Francis.

CSU vs. University of St Francis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and University of St Francis? 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 St Francis's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from University of St Francis earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of St Francis graduates have a $6,250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, University of St Francis graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($258 vs. $323).
• More University of St Francis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.