ISU vs. Rockford University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

ISU vs. Rockford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Rockford 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 Rockford University ($21,369 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 2.8% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,420 vs. $11,754).
• Rockford University is 134% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $21,636 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.9% higher at Rockford University than at Illinois State University (about $9,570 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University than at Illinois State University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 97.9% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($25,671 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Rockford University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 140 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming ISU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Rockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Rockford University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than ISU (88.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 13.4% at Rockford University.

ISU vs. Rockford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Rockford 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockford University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 60%)

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.