ISU vs. University of Indianapolis

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than University of Indianapolis based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 5,000 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

ISU vs. University of Indianapolis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or University of Indianapolis? 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 University of Indianapolis ($21,369 vs. $22,662).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 24.4% lower than at University of Indianapolis ($11,754 vs. $15,542).
• University of Indianapolis is 130.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $21,056 more per year; $37,200.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.9% higher at University of Indianapolis than at Illinois State University (about $8,990 more per year; $37,200.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Indianapolis than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Indianapolis students is 129.8% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($29,818 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. University of Indianapolis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or University of Indianapolis? 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 University of Indianapolis and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 30 points higher than at University of Indianapolis (1070).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at University of Indianapolis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; University of Indianapolis 960/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; University of Indianapolis 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; University of Indianapolis - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at University of Indianapolis (3.31).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than University of Indianapolis (66.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 10.6% at University of Indianapolis.

ISU vs. University of Indianapolis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and University of Indianapolis? 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 University of Indianapolis's (52%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than University of Indianapolis graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than University of Indianapolis graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Indianapolis graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Indianapolis students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 51%)

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.