Illinois State University vs Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Normal, IL — Carbondale, IL

Metric
Illinois State University
Normal, IL
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
Location Normal, IL Carbondale, IL
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 19,057 8,494
Acceptance Rate 88.1% 86.9%
SAT Average 1,113 1,055
In-State Tuition $16,144 $13,334
Out-of-State Tuition $28,210 $13,334
Avg Net Price $19,398 $13,297
Median Debt at Graduation $20,482 $21,543
4-Year Graduation Rate 65.4% 59.0%
Retention Rate 81.4% 66.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $50,599 $43,087
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,117 $53,390
Loan Repayment Rate 771600.0% 789000.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Illinois State University
Normal, IL
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Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Illinois State University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale compare?
Illinois State University (Normal, IL) has an acceptance rate of 88.1%, in-state tuition of $16,144, and median 10-year earnings of $62,117. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (Carbondale, IL) has an acceptance rate of 86.9%, in-state tuition of $13,334, and median 10-year earnings of $53,390.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Illinois State University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Illinois State University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $62,117 vs $53,390. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Illinois State University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is the more affordable option at $13,297 per year versus $19,398.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Illinois State University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 65.4% vs 59.0%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025