Southern Illinois University vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 10,811 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Central Washington 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 Central Washington University ($13,473 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 25.1% lower than at Central Washington University ($12,341 vs. $16,480).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 41.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $3,917 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.4% higher at Central Washington University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $14,192 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Central Washington University (95% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 54.4% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($13,610 vs. $8,816).

Southern Illinois University vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Washington University (1040) is 10 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern Illinois University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Central Washington University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $47,800), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $1,763 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($20,737 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($214 vs. $232).
• More Central Washington 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.