ISU vs. Lindenwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Lindenwood University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 6,826 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Lindenwood University is in Saint Charles, MO (Small City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lindenwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Lindenwood University 14:1.

ISU vs. Lindenwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University than ISU ($20,901 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lindenwood University are 0.5% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,700 vs. $11,754).
• Lindenwood University is 33.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $5,456 more per year; $21,600.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.6% higher at ISU than at Lindenwood University (about $6,610 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $21,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lindenwood University than at Illinois State University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lindenwood University students is 12.7% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($14,626 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Lindenwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lindenwood University (1130) is 30 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Lindenwood University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Lindenwood University 1023/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Lindenwood University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Lindenwood University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lindenwood University 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 Lindenwood University (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 14.1% at Lindenwood University.

ISU vs. Lindenwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University's (45%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Lindenwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Lindenwood University graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lindenwood University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lindenwood University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 58%)

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.