Southern Illinois University vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

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

University of Memphis is larger than Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (20,276 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 Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Memphis? 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 University of Memphis than Southern Illinois University ($12,756 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 8.1% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,342 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 24.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $2,606 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.4% higher at Memphis than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $2,050 more per year; $15,384.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at University of Memphis (95% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 15.4% larger than aid received by University of Memphis students ($13,610 vs. $11,793).

Southern Illinois University vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Memphis (1050) is 20 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Memphis (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Southern Illinois University vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Memphis? 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 University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($232 vs. $261).
• More Southern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 37%)

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.