ISU vs. Calvary University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Calvary University in Kansas City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Calvary University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 244 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Calvary University is in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Calvary University 7:1.

ISU vs. Calvary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Calvary 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 Calvary University than ISU ($17,066 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvary University are 44.8% lower than at Illinois State University ($6,492 vs. $11,754).
• Illinois State University is 14.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvary University (about $2,050 more per year; $16,144.00 vs. $14,094.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 100.2% higher at ISU than at Calvary University (about $14,116 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $14,094.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at Calvary University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois State University students is 168.3% larger than aid received by Calvary University students ($12,974 vs. $4,836).

ISU vs. Calvary University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 40 points higher than at Calvary University (1060).
• Incoming ISU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Calvary University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Calvary University 980/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Calvary University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Calvary University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Calvary University (3.37).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Calvary University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 81.8% at Calvary University.

ISU vs. Calvary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Calvary 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 Calvary University's (43%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than Calvary University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $36,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvary University graduates have a $1,054 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($20,946 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvary University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($216 vs. $227).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvary University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 56%)

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.