Concordia University Chicago vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

Compare Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, IL with Illinois State University in Normal, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Concordia University Chicago based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 4,770 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Illinois State University is in Normal, IL (Small City setting).
• Concordia University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Concordia University Chicago 13:1; Illinois State University 19:1.

Concordia University Chicago vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Concordia University Chicago or ISU? 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 Concordia University Chicago than ISU ($19,073 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Concordia University Chicago are 2.1% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,510 vs. $11,754).
• Concordia University Chicago is 132.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $21,344 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.9% higher at Concordia University Chicago than at Illinois State University (about $9,278 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Concordia University Chicago than at Illinois State University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concordia University Chicago students is 103.2% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($26,361 vs. $12,974).

Concordia University Chicago vs. ISU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Concordia University Chicago or ISU? 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 ISU and Concordia University Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 10 points higher than at Concordia University Chicago (1090).
• Incoming ISU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Concordia University Chicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 990/1180; Illinois State University 990/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 19/25; Illinois State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Concordia University Chicago - Test-free; ISU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Concordia University Chicago (3.18).
• Concordia University Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (92.8%) than ISU (88.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.7% at Concordia University Chicago vs. 22.5% at ISU.

Concordia University Chicago vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Concordia University Chicago and ISU? 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Concordia University Chicago's (60%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Concordia University Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $2,951 lower median loan debt than Concordia University Chicago graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,951).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Concordia University Chicago graduates ($227 vs. $257).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Concordia University Chicago students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 57%)

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.