ISU vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Carroll University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 3,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Carroll University is in Waukesha, WI (Small City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Carroll University 14:1.

ISU vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Carroll 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 Carroll University ($21,369 vs. $27,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 17.7% lower than at Carroll University ($11,754 vs. $14,280).
• Carroll University is 140.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $22,746 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.9% higher at Carroll University than at Illinois State University (about $10,680 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carroll University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carroll University students is 97.6% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($25,634 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carroll University (1160) is 60 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Carroll University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Carroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Carroll University (66.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

ISU vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Carroll 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 Carroll University's (57%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Carroll University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Carroll University graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carroll University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 74%)

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.