Southern Illinois University-Carbondale vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Carbondale, IL — San Luis Obispo, CA
| Metric | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, IL | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Carbondale, IL | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 8,494 | 21,996 |
| Acceptance Rate | 86.9% | 31.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,055 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $13,334 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $13,334 | $34,665 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,297 | $16,665 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,543 | $18,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 59.0% | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 66.8% | 95.5% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $43,087 | $72,358 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $53,390 | $90,768 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 789000.0% | 437700.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?▼
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. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?▼
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $53,390. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is the more affordable option at $13,297 per year versus $16,665.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.7% 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.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025