Southern Illinois University vs. Cottey College

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Cottey College based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 254 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Southern Illinois University vs. Cottey College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Cottey 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 Cottey College ($13,473 vs. $14,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cottey College are 8.9% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,240 vs. $12,341).
• Cottey College is 106.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $14,228 more per year; $27,562.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.7% higher at Cottey College than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $14,228 more per year; $27,562.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cottey College than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cottey College students is 80.5% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($24,565 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Cottey College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cottey College (1080) is 50 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Cottey College (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Cottey College 1030/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Cottey College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Cottey College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Cottey College students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Cottey College (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 21.6% at Cottey College.

Southern Illinois University vs. Cottey College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Cottey 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).

• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Cottey College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cottey College graduates have a $10,500 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($12,000 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Cottey College graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($124 vs. $232).
• More Cottey College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.