Southern Illinois University vs. IWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL with Indiana Wesleyan University Marion in Marion, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 2,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is in Marion, IN (Distant Town setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 12:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. IWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or IWU? 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 IWU ($13,473 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 11.9% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($10,868 vs. $12,341).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is 142.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $19,018 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 142.6% higher at IWU than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $19,018 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students is 57.3% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($21,405 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. IWU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (1070) is 40 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming IWU 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; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; IWU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (88.9%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 17% at IWU.

Southern Illinois University vs. IWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $1,604 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,104).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($232 vs. $249).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.