Southern Illinois University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Southern Illinois University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Central College? 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 Central College ($13,473 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 2.3% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($12,060 vs. $12,341).
• Central College is 57.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $7,654 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.4% higher at Central College than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $7,654 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 2.3% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($13,925 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 21% at Central College.

Southern Illinois University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Central College? 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).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $200 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.