WestConn vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT 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 WestConn based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 4,169 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

WestConn vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn 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 WestConn ($13,473 vs. $17,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 21.2% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($12,341 vs. $15,659).
• Western Connecticut State University is 0.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $67 more per year; $13,401.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.8% higher at WestConn than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $3,567 more per year; $16,901.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Western Connecticut State University (95% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 5.7% larger than aid received by Western Connecticut State University students ($13,610 vs. $12,870).

WestConn vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WestConn 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 WestConn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 80 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSouthern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WestConn students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

WestConn vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn 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 Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $400 more per year than WestConn graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $47,400), 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 WestConn graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WestConn graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.