Southern Illinois University vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Tennessee Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 1,198 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Southern Illinois University vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Tennessee Wesleyan 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University ($13,473 vs. $15,125).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee Wesleyan University are 23.4% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($9,458 vs. $12,341).
• Tennessee Wesleyan University is 131.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $17,480 more per year; $30,814.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 131.1% higher at Tennessee Wesleyan University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $17,480 more per year; $30,814.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tennessee Wesleyan University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee Wesleyan University students is 81.4% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($24,692 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is the same as at Tennessee Wesleyan University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Tennessee Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Tennessee Wesleyan University 960/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Tennessee Wesleyan University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Tennessee Wesleyan University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee Wesleyan University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Tennessee Wesleyan University (68.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 30.3% at Tennessee Wesleyan University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Tennessee Wesleyan 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).

• The graduation rate at Southern Illinois University is the same as at Tennessee Wesleyan University (44% vs. 44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($18,750 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($193 vs. $232).
• More Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.