Principia College vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

Principia College vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Principia College ($13,473 vs. $18,248).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 11.3% lower than at Principia College ($12,341 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 160.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $21,346 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 160.1% higher at Principia College than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $21,346 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Principia College (95% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 123.4% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($30,402 vs. $13,610).

Principia College vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University and Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 120 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Principia College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Southern Illinois University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Principia College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).

Principia College vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College and Southern Illinois 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).

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.