Southern Illinois University vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Lee University 13:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Lee 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 Lee University ($13,473 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 18.1% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($10,110 vs. $12,341).
• Lee University is 78.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $10,456 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.4% higher at Lee University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $10,456 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 13.6% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($15,467 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 110 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Lee University 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; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 35% at Lee University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $37,100), 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 Lee University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Lee 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.