CSU vs. Valley City State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with Valley City State University in Valley City, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Chicago State University is larger than Valley City State University based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 1,806 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Valley City State University is in Valley City, ND (Remote Town setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Valley City State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Valley City State University 12:1.

CSU vs. Valley City State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Valley City State 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 Valley City State University ($10,441 vs. $12,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valley City State University are 25.7% lower than at Chicago State University ($8,580 vs. $11,550).
• Chicago State University is 48.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Valley City State University (about $4,174 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $8,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Valley City State University than at Chicago State University (about $790 more per year; $13,544.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University as at Valley City State University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 143.7% larger than aid received by Valley City State University students ($18,194 vs. $7,467).

CSU vs. Valley City State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Valley City State 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 Valley City State University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valley City State University (950) is 90 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Valley City State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Valley City State University 830/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Valley City State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Valley City State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Valley City State University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Valley City State University has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 53.9% at Valley City State University.

CSU vs. Valley City State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Valley City State 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).

• Valley City State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Valley City State University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valley City State University graduates have a $9,920 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($21,330 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Valley City State University graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($220 vs. $323).
• More Valley City State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.