CSU vs. William Penn University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Chicago State University is larger than William Penn University based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 1,425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); William Penn University is in Oskaloosa, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. William Penn University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; William Penn University 15:1.

CSU vs. William Penn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or William Penn 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 William Penn University ($10,441 vs. $22,740).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Penn University are 28.8% lower than at Chicago State University ($8,222 vs. $11,550).
• William Penn University is 133.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $16,996 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.3% higher at William Penn University than at Chicago State University (about $16,996 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Penn University than at Chicago State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by William Penn University students is 11% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($20,194 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. William Penn University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or William Penn 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 William Penn University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at William Penn University (1000) is 140 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming William Penn University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; William Penn University 880/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; William Penn University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; William Penn University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at William Penn University (3.0).
• William Penn University has a higher acceptance rate (51.9%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 41.9% at William Penn University.

CSU vs. William Penn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and William Penn 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).

• William Penn University's six-year graduation rate (30%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from William Penn University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Penn University graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($24,000 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, William Penn University graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($248 vs. $323).
• More William Penn University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.