CSU vs. UW-Superior

Comparable Facts

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

University of Wisconsin Superior is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (2,833 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 Wisconsin Superior is in Superior, WI (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Superior is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; University of Wisconsin Superior 18:1.

CSU vs. UW-Superior Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or UW-Superior? 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 UW-Superior ($10,441 vs. $13,215).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Wisconsin Superior are 35.3% lower than at Chicago State University ($7,476 vs. $11,550).
• Chicago State University is 44.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW-Superior (about $3,942 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $8,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.1% higher at UW-Superior than at Chicago State University (about $3,972 more per year; $16,726.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at University of Wisconsin Superior (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 225.8% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Superior students ($18,194 vs. $5,585).

CSU vs. UW-Superior Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or UW-Superior? 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 UW-Superior and CSU.

• Incoming UW-Superior 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.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; University of Wisconsin Superior 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; UW-Superior - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UW-Superior Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UW-Superior students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.32) than students at CSU (3.18).
• UW-Superior has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 19.3% at UW-Superior.

CSU vs. UW-Superior Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and UW-Superior? 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 Wisconsin Superior's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Chicago State University earn a median of about $600 more per year than UW-Superior graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,300 vs. $37,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wisconsin Superior graduates have a $8,250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($23,000 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, UW-Superior graduates have an estimated $86 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($237 vs. $323).
• More UW-Superior graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.