ISU vs. Principia College

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Principia College is in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Principia College 6:1.

ISU vs. Principia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Principia College? 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 Principia College than ISU ($18,248 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 15.5% lower than at Principia College ($11,754 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 114.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $18,536 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.9% higher at Principia College than at Illinois State University (about $6,470 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at Principia College (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 134.3% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($30,402 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Principia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Principia College? 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 Principia College and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 50 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Principia College 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Principia College 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Principia College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Principia College (3.34).

ISU vs. Principia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Principia College? 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).

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.