University of St Francis vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of St Francis in Joliet, 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 St Francis based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 3,074 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of St Francis is located in Joliet, IL (Midsize City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of St Francis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of St Francis 15:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

University of St Francis vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of St Francis 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 St Francis ($13,473 vs. $14,045).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of St Francis are 2.9% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,980 vs. $12,341).
• University of St Francis is 185.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $24,776 more per year; $38,110.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 185.8% higher at University of St Francis than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $24,776 more per year; $38,110.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of St Francis than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Francis students is 135.1% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($31,998 vs. $13,610).

University of St Francis vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of St Francis 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 St Francis.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of St Francis (1130) is 100 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming University of St Francis students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Francis 1030/1220; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Francis 20/32; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of St Francis - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Francis Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of St Francis students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than University of St Francis (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at University of St Francis vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

University of St Francis vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of St Francis 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 St Francis's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from University of St Francis earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than University of St Francis graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St Francis graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More University of St Francis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.