ISU vs. Trine University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Trine University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 4,646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Trine University is in Angola, IN (Distant Town setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Trine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Trine University 16:1.

ISU vs. Trine University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Trine 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 Trine University ($21,369 vs. $25,355).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 10.4% lower than at Trine University ($11,754 vs. $13,120).
• Trine University is 126.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $20,416 more per year; $36,560.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.6% higher at Trine University than at Illinois State University (about $8,350 more per year; $36,560.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University as at Trine University (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Trine University students is 98.5% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($25,754 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Trine University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Trine University (1140) is 40 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Trine University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Trine University 1030/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Trine University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Trine University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Trine University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Trine University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Trine University (85.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 18.8% at Trine University.

ISU vs. Trine University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Trine 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 Trine University's (44%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Trine University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $3,150 lower median loan debt than Trine University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,150).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Trine University graduates ($227 vs. $260).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Trine 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.