Stetson University vs. School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Comparable Facts

Compare Stetson University in DeLand, FL with School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Stetson University is larger than School of the Art Institute of Chicago based on total student enrollment (3,775 students vs. 3,394 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Stetson University is located in DeLand, FL (Midsize Suburban setting); School of the Art Institute of Chicago is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Stetson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Stetson University 10:1; School of the Art Institute of Chicago 10:1.

Stetson University vs. School of the Art Institute of Chicago Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Stetson University or School of the Art Institute of Chicago? 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 Stetson University than School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($20,319 vs. $55,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at School of the Art Institute of Chicago are 6.6% lower than at Stetson University ($16,550 vs. $17,728).
• Stetson University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than School of the Art Institute of Chicago (about $990 more per year; $57,410.00 vs. $56,420.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Stetson University than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (about $990 more per year; $57,410.00 vs. $56,420.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stetson University than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stetson University students is 161.1% larger than aid received by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students ($52,360 vs. $20,050).

Stetson University vs. School of the Art Institute of Chicago Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Stetson University or School of the Art Institute of Chicago? 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Stetson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stetson University (1170) is 20 points higher than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1150).
• Incoming Stetson University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stetson University 1060/1270; School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1048/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stetson University 21/28; School of the Art Institute of Chicago 22/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Stetson University - Test optional; School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: School of the Art Institute of Chicago Nov 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Stetson University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (3.51).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (77.5%) than Stetson University (71.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Stetson University vs. 11.8% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Stetson University vs. School of the Art Institute of Chicago Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Stetson University and School of the Art Institute of Chicago? 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).

• Stetson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (60%).
• Graduates from Stetson University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,400 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates have a $1,287 lower median loan debt than Stetson University graduates ($25,713 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stetson University graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More Stetson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former School of the Art Institute of Chicago students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 62%)

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.