Chicago State University vs Eastern Illinois University
Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Eastern Illinois University is a public university in Charleston, IL. Chicago State University admits about 43% of applicants and Eastern Illinois University about 65%, making Chicago State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,335 a year at Chicago State University after aid, and about $12,786 at Eastern Illinois University. About 46% of students graduate at Eastern Illinois University, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, Eastern Illinois University alumni earn a median of about $51,989, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Charleston, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,384
4,188
Acceptance rate
43%
65%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.9
3.33–3.83
SAT (middle 50%)
750–963
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
17–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,335
$12,786
Full cost / yr
$29,764
$26,996
In-state tuition
$12,754
$13,679
Out-of-state tuition
$12,754
$16,217
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,073
$9,828
$30k - $48k
$9,550
$8,619
$48k - $75k
$11,334
$11,412
$75k - $110k
$13,899
$15,665
Over $110k
$28,427
$21,027
Outcomes
Graduation rate
16%
46%
Freshman retention
57%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,805
$42,694
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,778
$51,989
Median debt at graduation
$30,625
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
29%
First-generation students
42%
34%
International students
3%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 12
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.
- Is Chicago State University or Eastern Illinois University harder to get into?
- Chicago State University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 65% at Eastern Illinois University. 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 Eastern Illinois University?
- Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,786 at Eastern Illinois University. 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 Eastern Illinois University?
- Before aid, Eastern Illinois University costs about $26,996 a year and Chicago State University about $29,764. 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 Eastern Illinois University?
- Chicago State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,073 there, against about $9,828 at Eastern Illinois University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Chicago State University or Eastern Illinois University?
- Eastern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,188 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
- Does Chicago State University or Eastern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- Eastern Illinois University has the higher graduation rate, at about 46% against 16% at Chicago State University.
- Do graduates of Chicago State University or Eastern Illinois University earn more?
- Eastern Illinois University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,989 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 Eastern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Eastern Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Chicago State University and Eastern Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–963 at Chicago State University and 880–1090 at Eastern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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