UIC vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Illinois Chicago is larger than Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (33,906 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Illinois Chicago is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Illinois Chicago 17:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

UIC vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UIC or Southern Illinois 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 University of Illinois Chicago than Southern Illinois University ($10,852 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 25.2% lower than at University of Illinois Chicago ($12,341 vs. $16,500).
• University of Illinois Chicago is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $1,004 more per year; $14,338.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 124.1% higher at UIC than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $16,550 more per year; $29,884.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at University of Illinois Chicago (95% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Illinois Chicago students is 23.1% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($16,755 vs. $13,610).

UIC vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Chicago (1240) is 210 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming UIC students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Chicago 1130/1350; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Chicago 25/31; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UIC - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UIC Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UIC students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than UIC (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at UIC vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

UIC vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UIC and Southern Illinois 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).

• University of Illinois Chicago's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from University of Illinois Chicago earn a median of about $14,100 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Chicago graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($18,750 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, UIC graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($193 vs. $232).
• More UIC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.