ISU vs. Midway University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Midway University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 2,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Midway University is in Midway, KY (Distant Rural setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Midway University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Midway University 15:1.

ISU vs. Midway University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Midway 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 Illinois State University than Midway University ($21,369 vs. $30,679).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Midway University are 16.6% lower than at Illinois State University ($9,800 vs. $11,754).
• Midway University is 68.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $11,076 more per year; $27,220.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.6% higher at ISU than at Midway University (about $990 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $27,220.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Midway University than at Illinois State University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Midway University students is 40.7% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($18,259 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Midway University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Midway University (1140) is 40 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Midway University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Midway University 1100/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Midway University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Midway University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Midway University (3.39).
• Midway University has a higher acceptance rate (95.1%) than ISU (88.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 23% at Midway University.

ISU vs. Midway University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Midway 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 Midway University's (41%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than Midway University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $38,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $1,378 lower median loan debt than Midway University graduates ($22,000 vs. $23,378).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Midway University graduates ($227 vs. $241).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Midway University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 43%)

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.