Rockford University vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, IL 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 Rockford University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

Rockford University vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford University 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 Rockford University ($13,473 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 7.5% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,420 vs. $12,341).
• Rockford University is 183.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $24,446 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 183.3% higher at Rockford University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $24,446 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 88.6% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($25,671 vs. $13,610).

Rockford University vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford University 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 Rockford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 70 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Rockford University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

Rockford University vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford University 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).

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.