Southern Illinois University vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL with Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University ($13,473 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 33.1% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($8,261 vs. $12,341).
• Union Commonwealth University is 132.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $17,612 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 132.1% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $17,612 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 98.1% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($26,961 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 20 points higher than at Union Commonwealth University (1010).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Southern Illinois University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Union Commonwealth 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).

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($232 vs. $248).
• More Southern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 42%)

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.