Southern Illinois University vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; University of Kentucky 18:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Kentucky? 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 Kentucky ($13,473 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 22.9% lower than at University of Kentucky ($12,341 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $168 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 156% higher at Kentucky than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $20,806 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale as at University of Kentucky (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 5.5% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($13,610 vs. $12,898).

Southern Illinois University vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 150 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Kentucky students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; University of Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Kentucky - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kentucky students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

Southern Illinois University vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Kentucky? 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).

• University of Kentucky's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($22,500 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($232 vs. $235).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.