Southern Illinois University vs. St. Ambrose University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL with Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than St. Ambrose University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 2,498 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Southern Illinois University vs. St. Ambrose University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University ($13,473 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 7.8% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($12,341 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 174.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $23,324 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 174.9% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $23,324 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 90.1% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($25,877 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. St. Ambrose University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Ambrose University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming St. Ambrose 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; Saint Ambrose University 930/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Saint Ambrose University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; St. Ambrose University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman St. Ambrose University 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 St. Ambrose University (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 16.7% at St. Ambrose University .

Southern Illinois University vs. St. Ambrose University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and St. Ambrose 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $3,264 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($232 vs. $266).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.