ISU vs. Anderson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Anderson University in Anderson, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Anderson University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Anderson University is in Anderson, IN (Small City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Anderson University 10:1.

ISU vs. Anderson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Anderson 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 Illinois State University than Anderson University ($21,369 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 8.2% lower than at Anderson University ($11,754 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 130.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $21,096 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32% higher at Anderson University than at Illinois State University (about $9,030 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 100% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($25,946 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Anderson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Anderson 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 Anderson University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 70 points higher than at Anderson University (1030).
• Incoming ISU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Anderson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Anderson University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Anderson University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Anderson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 8.3% at Anderson University.

ISU vs. Anderson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Anderson 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Anderson University's (63%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Anderson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Anderson University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 64%)

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.