Southern Illinois University vs. Southwest Baptist University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Southwest Baptist University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 2,199 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Southwest Baptist University is in Bolivar, MO (Distant Town setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Southwest Baptist University 10:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Southwest Baptist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Southwest Baptist 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 Southwest Baptist University ($13,473 vs. $21,336).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Baptist University are 20.8% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($9,776 vs. $12,341).
• Southwest Baptist University is 129.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $17,232 more per year; $30,566.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 129.2% higher at Southwest Baptist University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $17,232 more per year; $30,566.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwest Baptist University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwest Baptist University students is 39.9% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($19,043 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Southwest Baptist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 20 points higher than at Southwest Baptist University (1010).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Southwest Baptist University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Southwest Baptist University 810/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Southwest Baptist University 17/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Southwest Baptist University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Southwest Baptist University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Southwest Baptist University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 34.3% at Southwest Baptist University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Southwest Baptist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Southwest Baptist 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).

• Southwest Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Southwest Baptist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Baptist University graduates have a $1,413 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($21,087 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Baptist University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($218 vs. $232).
• More Southwest Baptist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.