Chicago State vs Illinois State
When it comes to higher education in Illinois, Chicago State University (CSU) and Illinois State University (ISU) stand out as two prominent choices. While both offer a diverse range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. CSU, located in the heart of Chicago, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a more diverse student body, while ISU, situated in the charming town of Normal, offers a wider selection of undergraduate and graduate programs and a higher graduation rate. To help you make an informed decision about your academic journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into the key differences between these two esteemed institutions. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations, personal preferences, and future goals.
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![]() Chicago State University |
![]() Illinois State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Chicago, Illinois | Normal, Illinois |
Campus setting | City: Large | Suburb: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 41.0% | 83.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 47.5% | 91.5% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$30
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Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
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SAT range | N/A | 1000 - 1200 |
ACT range | N/A | 21 - 27 |
Students submitting SAT score | 51.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 19.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 4,805 | 11,913 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,281 | 10,905 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 168 | 3,374 |
Yield rate | 7.4% | 30.9% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $26,179 |
In state:
$31,811
Out of state:
$43,335
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Average net price | $4,846 | $21,033 |
Tuition | $7,488 |
In state:
$11,524
Out of state:
$23,048
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,000
Meal plan:
$4,400
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Room/dormitory:
$5,494
Meal plan:
$4,652
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
95.0%
Average amount $17,067 |
91.0%
Average amount $10,848 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
92.0%
Average amount $3,945 |
46.0%
Average amount $5,065 |
Students taking out private loans |
0.0%
Average amount $0 |
8.0%
Average amount $14,532 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,502
Men 30.7% Women 69.3% |
17,674
Men 43.0% Women 57.0% |
Graduate students |
864
Men 30.0% Women 70.0% |
2,559
Men 35.1% Women 64.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 4.2% |
International students | 6.0% | 2.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | Suburb: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 300 | 5,560 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Illinois Missouri Wisconsin Michigan Iowa |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 10:1 | 19:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 21.0% | 67.3% |
Dropout rate | 31.5% | 32.0% |
Transferred out | 43.8% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Compare Similar Colleges
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statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you
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