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Illinois State University vs Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

5

Illinois State University

2

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric Illinois State University Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Winner
Acceptance Rate 89% 90% Illinois State University
Graduation Rate 67% 53% Illinois State University
Avg Earnings (5yr) $50,599 $43,087 Illinois State University
Median Debt $20,482 $21,543 Illinois State University
Tuition (In-State) $16,021 $13,244 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Retention Rate 81% 69% Illinois State University
Financial Aid 45% 48% Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Comparison Analysis

Illinois State University graduates earn more than Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates. The median earnings for Illinois State alumni are $50,599, while Southern Illinois alumni earn $43,087. Illinois State also has a higher graduation rate at 66.7% compared to Southern Illinois' 52.5%. Both schools have similar acceptance rates, with Illinois State at 89% and Southern Illinois at 90.4%.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has lower tuition costs. Tuition at Southern Illinois is $13,244, which is less than Illinois State's $16,021.

When considering overall value, prospective students may weigh the higher earning potential and graduation rate at Illinois State against the lower tuition at Southern Illinois. Students prioritizing financial outcomes after graduation may favor Illinois State, while those prioritizing lower upfront costs may choose Southern Illinois.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major Illinois State University Earnings Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Earnings Difference
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $44,898 $39,496 14% favor Illinois State University
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $44,898 $0
Marketing $51,687 $40,244 28% favor Illinois State University
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $44,613 $54,215 22% favor Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Finance and Financial Management Services $54,958 $48,708 13% favor Illinois State University
Accounting and Related Services $62,940 $54,694 15% favor Illinois State University
Psychology, General $32,104 $32,287 1% favor Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Agriculture, General $47,295 $39,700 19% favor Illinois State University
Communication and Media Studies $38,125 $32,465 17% favor Illinois State University
Accounting and Related Services $62,940 $62,368 1% favor Illinois State University

Quick Facts

Type Public
Location Normal, IL
Setting Suburban
Students 18,414
Type Public
Location Carbondale, IL
Setting Town
Students 8,116

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois State University has median earnings of $50,599 and tuition of $16,021. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has median earnings of $43,087 and tuition of $13,244. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

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