ISU vs. Brescia University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Brescia University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 690 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Brescia University is in Owensboro, KY (Small City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Brescia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Brescia University 13:1.

ISU vs. Brescia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Brescia 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 Brescia University than ISU ($15,634 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 11% lower than at Brescia University ($11,754 vs. $13,200).
• Brescia University is 95.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $15,406 more per year; $31,550.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at Brescia University than at Illinois State University (about $3,340 more per year; $31,550.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brescia University than at Illinois State University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brescia University students is 119.3% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($28,447 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Brescia University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 40 points higher than at Brescia University (1060).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Brescia University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Brescia University 920/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Brescia University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Brescia University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Brescia University (3.02).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Brescia University (35.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 18.7% at Brescia University.

ISU vs. Brescia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Brescia 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 Brescia University's (32%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Brescia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $42,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Brescia University graduates ($22,000 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brescia University graduates ($227 vs. $299).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brescia University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 49%)

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.