Southern Illinois University vs. Cumberland College

Comparable Facts

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

University of the Cumberlands is larger than Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (22,120 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 the Cumberlands is in Williamsburg, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the Cumberlands is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; University of the Cumberlands 23:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Cumberland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Cumberland College? 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 Cumberland College ($13,473 vs. $14,743).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Cumberlands are 24.6% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($9,300 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 35% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cumberland College (about $3,459 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $9,875.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35% higher at Southern Illinois University than at University of the Cumberlands (about $3,459 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $9,875.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Cumberlands than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 20.5% larger than aid received by University of the Cumberlands students ($13,610 vs. $11,293).

Southern Illinois University vs. Cumberland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of the Cumberlands (1060) is 30 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Cumberland College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; University of the Cumberlands 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; University of the Cumberlands 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Cumberland College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cumberland College Aug 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cumberland College students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Cumberland College has a higher acceptance rate (98.8%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 33.3% at Cumberland College.

Southern Illinois University vs. Cumberland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Cumberland College? 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 the Cumberlands's (43%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Cumberland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Cumberlands graduates have a $8,544 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($13,956 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Cumberland College graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($144 vs. $232).
• More Cumberland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.