Southern Illinois University vs. Eastern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL with Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Michigan University is larger than Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (12,631 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Eastern Michigan University is in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Eastern Michigan University 14:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Eastern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University ($13,473 vs. $15,742).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 9.6% lower than at Eastern Michigan University ($12,341 vs. $13,652).
• Eastern Michigan University is 21.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $2,906 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.8% higher at Eastern Michigan University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $2,906 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Eastern Michigan University (95% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 1.8% larger than aid received by Eastern Michigan University students ($13,610 vs. $13,370).

Southern Illinois University vs. Eastern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Illinois University or Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University and Southern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Michigan University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Eastern Michigan University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Eastern Michigan University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Eastern Michigan University 18/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Eastern Michigan University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Eastern Michigan University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Eastern Michigan University (79.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Eastern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University's (40%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Eastern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($232 vs. $263).
• More Southern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 45%)

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.