Elmhurst University vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University 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 Elmhurst University ($13,473 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 15.1% lower than at Elmhurst University ($12,341 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 222.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $29,621 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 222.1% higher at Elmhurst University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $29,621 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 121% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($30,079 vs. $13,610).

Elmhurst University vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst University 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 Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 100 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

Elmhurst University vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University 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).

• Elmhurst University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($222 vs. $232).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.