ISU vs. Eastern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Eastern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 12,631 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Eastern Michigan University is in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Eastern Michigan University 14:1.

ISU vs. Eastern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University than ISU ($15,742 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 13.9% lower than at Eastern Michigan University ($11,754 vs. $13,652).
• Eastern Michigan University is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $96 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.7% higher at ISU than at Eastern Michigan University (about $11,970 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at Eastern Michigan University (96% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Michigan University students is 3.1% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($13,370 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Eastern Michigan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 50 points higher than at Eastern Michigan University (1050).
• Incoming ISU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Eastern Michigan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Eastern Michigan University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Eastern Michigan University 18/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Eastern Michigan University - Test optional.
• 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 Eastern Michigan University (3.37).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Eastern Michigan University (79.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University.

ISU vs. Eastern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University's (40%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Eastern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($227 vs. $263).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 45%)

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.