ISU vs. Judson University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Judson University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 960 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Judson University is in Elgin, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Judson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Judson University 10:1.

ISU vs. Judson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Judson 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 Judson University than ISU ($18,673 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 4.6% lower than at Judson University ($11,754 vs. $12,320).
• Judson University is 94.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $15,216 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at Judson University than at Illinois State University (about $3,150 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Judson University than at Illinois State University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Judson University students is 85.2% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($24,024 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Judson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 130 points higher than at Judson University (970).
• Incoming ISU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Judson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Judson University 816/1118.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Judson University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Judson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Judson University (3.16).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Judson University (47.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 39.2% at Judson University.

ISU vs. Judson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Judson 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 Judson University's (49%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Judson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Judson University graduates ($22,000 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Judson University graduates ($227 vs. $237).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Judson University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 63%)

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.