ISU vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Capital University 9:1.

ISU vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Capital 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 Capital University ($21,369 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 9.5% lower than at Capital University ($11,754 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 167.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $27,090 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.3% higher at Capital University than at Illinois State University (about $15,024 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Illinois State University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 165.7% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($34,471 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 50 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Capital University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

ISU vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Capital 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 Capital University's (61%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Capital University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $47,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Capital 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.