ISU vs. St. Ambrose University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than St. Ambrose University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 2,498 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Saint Ambrose University is in Davenport, IA (Small City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Saint Ambrose University 11:1.

ISU vs. St. Ambrose University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University ($21,369 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 12.1% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($11,754 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 127.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $20,514 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.9% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Illinois State University (about $8,448 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 99.5% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($25,877 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. St. Ambrose University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 50 points higher than at St. Ambrose University (1050).
• Incoming ISU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at St. Ambrose University ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Saint Ambrose University 930/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Saint Ambrose University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University (3.39).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than St. Ambrose University (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 16.7% at St. Ambrose University .

ISU vs. St. Ambrose University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and St. Ambrose 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 Saint Ambrose University's (62%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $700 more per year than St. Ambrose University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $3,764 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($227 vs. $266).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Ambrose University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 71%)

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.