ISU vs. Cleary College

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Cleary College based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 1,004 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Cleary University is in Howell, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Cleary University 18:1.

ISU vs. Cleary College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Cleary College? 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 Cleary College ($21,369 vs. $23,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 8.9% lower than at Cleary University ($11,754 vs. $12,900).
• Cleary University is 61.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $9,958 more per year; $26,102.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.1% higher at ISU than at Cleary University (about $2,108 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $26,102.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cleary University than at Illinois State University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cleary University students is 24.5% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($16,150 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Cleary College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Cleary College? 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 Cleary College and ISU.

• Cleary University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 40 points higher than at Cleary College (1060).
• Incoming ISU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 18 at Cleary College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Cleary University 950/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Cleary University 18/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Cleary College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Cleary College Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Cleary College (3.17).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Cleary College (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 28.7% at Cleary College.

ISU vs. Cleary College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Cleary College? 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 Cleary University's (59%).
• Graduates from Cleary University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,900 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $8,227 lower median loan debt than Cleary College graduates ($22,000 vs. $30,227).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $85 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cleary College graduates ($227 vs. $312).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleary College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 47%)

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.