EIU vs. Rockford University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL with Rockford University in Rockford, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Illinois University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Rockford University is in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Rockford University 10:1.

EIU vs. Rockford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU or Rockford 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 Eastern Illinois University than Rockford University ($13,787 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 7% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($11,420 vs. $12,282).
• Rockford University is 176.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than EIU (about $24,101 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $13,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133% higher at Rockford University than at Eastern Illinois University (about $21,563 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University than at Eastern Illinois University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 98.1% larger than aid received by Eastern Illinois University students ($25,671 vs. $12,960).

EIU vs. Rockford University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU or Rockford 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 Rockford University and EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Illinois University (990) is 30 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; Rockford University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 13.4% at Rockford University.

EIU vs. Rockford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU and Rockford 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than EIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $1,350 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($23,650 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($244 vs. $258).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EIU students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 59%)

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.