ISU vs. Lewis University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Lewis University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 7,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Lewis University is in Romeoville, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lewis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Lewis University 13:1.

ISU vs. Lewis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Lewis 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 Lewis University than ISU ($18,959 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 3.2% lower than at Lewis University ($11,754 vs. $12,140).
• Lewis University is 142.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $23,056 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39% higher at Lewis University than at Illinois State University (about $10,990 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 121.3% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($28,717 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Lewis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 10 points higher than at Lewis University (1090).
• Incoming ISU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Lewis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Lewis University 960/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Lewis University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Lewis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lewis University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Lewis University (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 15.3% at Lewis University.

ISU vs. Lewis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Lewis 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 Lewis University's (63%).
• Graduates from Lewis University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,500 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $2,625 lower median loan debt than Lewis University graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,625).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lewis University graduates ($227 vs. $254).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lewis University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 66%)

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.