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Chicago State University vs Concordia University-Chicago

Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL, and Concordia University-Chicago is a private university in River Forest, IL. Chicago State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 43% of applicants against 93% at Concordia University-Chicago. Chicago State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,335 a year against $18,436 at Concordia University-Chicago. About 41% of students graduate at Concordia University-Chicago, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, Concordia University-Chicago alumni earn a median of about $54,089, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public

Concordia University-Chicago

River Forest, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
River Forest, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,384
1,323
Acceptance rate
43%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.9
3.17–3.67
SAT (middle 50%)
750–963
990–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,335
$18,436
Full cost / yr
$29,764
$45,383
In-state tuition
$12,754
$37,488
Out-of-state tuition
$12,754
$37,488
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,073
$16,795
$30k - $48k
$9,550
$16,397
$48k - $75k
$11,334
$15,768
$75k - $110k
$13,899
$20,046
Over $110k
$28,427
$23,907
Outcomes
Graduation rate
16%
41%
Freshman retention
57%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,805
$44,405
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,778
$54,089
Median debt at graduation
$30,625
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
46%
First-generation students
42%
39%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago State University or Concordia University-Chicago harder to get into?
Chicago State University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 93% at Concordia University-Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or Concordia University-Chicago?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,436 at Concordia University-Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Chicago State University and Concordia University-Chicago?
Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 a year and Concordia University-Chicago about $45,383. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Chicago State University or Concordia University-Chicago?
Chicago State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,073 there, against about $16,795 at Concordia University-Chicago. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Chicago State University or Concordia University-Chicago?
Chicago State University is the larger of the two, with about 1,384 undergraduates against 1,323 at Concordia University-Chicago.
Does Chicago State University or Concordia University-Chicago have a better graduation rate?
Concordia University-Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 41% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of Chicago State University or Concordia University-Chicago earn more?
Concordia University-Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,089 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,778 for Chicago State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Chicago State University and Concordia University-Chicago require SAT or ACT scores?
Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Concordia University-Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Chicago State University and Concordia University-Chicago look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–963 at Chicago State University and 990–1180 at Concordia University-Chicago. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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