University of Illinois Springfield vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than University of Illinois Springfield based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 4,628 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Springfield is located in Springfield, IL (Midsize City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Illinois Springfield 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 Springfield 13:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

University of Illinois Springfield vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Illinois Springfield 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 Springfield than Southern Illinois University ($10,809 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Illinois Springfield are 0.8% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($12,242 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 8.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Illinois Springfield (about $1,082 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $12,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.1% higher at University of Illinois Springfield than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $8,683 more per year; $22,017.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Illinois Springfield than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Illinois Springfield students is 7.8% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($14,666 vs. $13,610).

University of Illinois Springfield vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Illinois Springfield 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 University of Illinois Springfield.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Springfield (1070) is 40 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming University of Illinois Springfield 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: University of Illinois Springfield 940/1200; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Springfield 21/27; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Illinois Springfield - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Illinois Springfield students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than University of Illinois Springfield (85.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at University of Illinois Springfield vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

University of Illinois Springfield vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Illinois Springfield 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 Springfield's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $300 more per year than University of Illinois Springfield graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have a $3,707 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($18,793 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($194 vs. $232).
• More University of Illinois Springfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.