University of South Alabama vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Alabama is larger than Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of South Alabama 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 South Alabama 19:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

University of South Alabama vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than University of South Alabama ($13,473 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 7.9% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,366 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 31.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $3,218 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.2% higher at University of South Alabama than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $5,758 more per year; $19,092.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 45.9% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($13,610 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama 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 South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is 50 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming University of South Alabama students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 970/1190; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

University of South Alabama vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama 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).

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than University of South Alabama's (39%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than University of South Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($232 vs. $253).
• More Southern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 45%)

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.