Concordia University Chicago vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Concordia University Chicago based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 4,770 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Concordia University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Concordia University Chicago 13:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Concordia University Chicago or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Concordia University Chicago ($13,473 vs. $19,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Concordia University Chicago are 6.7% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,510 vs. $12,341).
• Concordia University Chicago is 181.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $24,154 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 181.1% higher at Concordia University Chicago than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $24,154 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Concordia University Chicago than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concordia University Chicago students is 93.7% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($26,361 vs. $13,610).

Concordia University Chicago vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Concordia University Chicago or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University and Concordia University Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Concordia University Chicago (1090) is 60 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Concordia University Chicago students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 990/1180; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 19/25; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Concordia University Chicago - Test-free; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Southern Illinois University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Concordia University Chicago (3.18).
• Concordia University Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (92.8%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.7% at Concordia University Chicago vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Concordia University Chicago and Southern Illinois 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).

• Concordia University Chicago's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Concordia University Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $2,451 lower median loan debt than Concordia University Chicago graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,951).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Concordia University Chicago graduates ($232 vs. $257).
• More Concordia University Chicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 51%)

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.