School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Lindenwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lindenwood University is larger than School of the Art Institute of Chicago based on total student enrollment (6,826 students vs. 3,394 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Lindenwood University is in Saint Charles, MO (Small City setting).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lindenwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 10:1; Lindenwood University 14:1.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Lindenwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University than School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($20,901 vs. $55,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lindenwood University are 29.3% lower than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($11,700 vs. $16,550).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is 161.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lindenwood University (about $34,820 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $21,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 161.2% higher at School of the Art Institute of Chicago than at Lindenwood University (about $34,820 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $21,600.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at School of the Art Institute of Chicago as at Lindenwood University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students is 37.1% larger than aid received by Lindenwood University students ($20,050 vs. $14,626).

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Lindenwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Lindenwood University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lindenwood University and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1150) is 20 points higher than at Lindenwood University (1130).
• Incoming Lindenwood University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 23 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1048/1260; Lindenwood University 1023/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 22/25; Lindenwood University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Test-free; Lindenwood University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: School of the Art Institute of Chicago Nov 15, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman School of the Art Institute of Chicago students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Lindenwood University (3.42).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (77.5%) than Lindenwood University (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. 14.1% at Lindenwood University.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Lindenwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Lindenwood University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Lindenwood University's (45%).
• Graduates from Lindenwood University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,100 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates have a $1,287 lower median loan debt than Lindenwood University graduates ($25,713 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lindenwood University graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lindenwood University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 58%)

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.