ISU vs. FBBC&TS

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary in Ankeny, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than FBBC&TS based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 611 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary is in Ankeny, IA (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary 14:1.

ISU vs. FBBC&TS Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or FBBC&TS? 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 Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary than ISU ($19,733 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary are 28.7% lower than at Illinois State University ($8,380 vs. $11,754).
• Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary is 25.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $4,126 more per year; $20,270.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.2% higher at ISU than at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary (about $7,940 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $20,270.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary than at Illinois State University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary students is 1.5% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($13,168 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. FBBC&TS Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or FBBC&TS? 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 FBBC&TS and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 10 points higher than at FBBC&TS (1090).
• Incoming ISU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at FBBC&TS).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary 990/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; FBBC&TS - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; FBBC&TS Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman FBBC&TS students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than FBBC&TS (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 68.6% at FBBC&TS.

ISU vs. FBBC&TS Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and FBBC&TS? 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 Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary's (34%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than FBBC&TS graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary graduates have a $6,171 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($15,829 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, FBBC&TS graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($163 vs. $227).
• More FBBC&TS graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.