ISU vs. Rockhurst

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Rockhurst based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 3,577 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Rockhurst University is in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Rockhurst University 12:1.

ISU vs. Rockhurst Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Rockhurst? 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 Rockhurst ($21,369 vs. $25,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 1.4% lower than at Rockhurst University ($11,754 vs. $11,920).
• Rockhurst University is 178.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $28,822 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.4% higher at Rockhurst than at Illinois State University (about $16,756 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockhurst University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockhurst University students is 166.4% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($34,562 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Rockhurst Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockhurst University (1180) is 80 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Rockhurst (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Rockhurst University 1116/1246.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Rockhurst University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Rockhurst - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rockhurst students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Rockhurst (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 19.2% at Rockhurst.

ISU vs. Rockhurst Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Rockhurst? 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).

• Rockhurst University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Illinois State University's (71%).
• Graduates from Rockhurst University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($211 vs. $227).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockhurst students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 74%)

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.