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Chicago State University vs National Louis University

Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL. National Louis University is a private university in Chicago, IL. Chicago State University admits about 43% of applicants and National Louis University about 95%, 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 $12,641 at National Louis University. About 33% of students graduate at National Louis University, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, National Louis University alumni earn a median of about $45,799, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public

National Louis University

Chicago, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,384
4,406
Acceptance rate
43%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.9
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
750–963
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,335
$12,641
Full cost / yr
$29,764
$24,154
In-state tuition
$12,754
$12,705
Out-of-state tuition
$12,754
$12,705
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,073
$12,462
$30k - $48k
$9,550
$11,567
$48k - $75k
$11,334
$12,996
$75k - $110k
$13,899
$15,447
Over $110k
$28,427
$17,956
Outcomes
Graduation rate
16%
33%
Freshman retention
57%
50%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,805
$43,562
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,778
$45,799
Median debt at graduation
$30,625
$19,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
55%
First-generation students
42%
50%
International students
3%
6%
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 National Louis University harder to get into?
Chicago State University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 95% at National Louis 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 National Louis University?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,641 at National Louis 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 National Louis University?
Before aid, National Louis University costs about $24,154 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 National Louis University?
Chicago State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,073 there, against about $12,462 at National Louis 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 National Louis University?
National Louis University is the larger of the two, with about 4,406 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
Does Chicago State University or National Louis University have a better graduation rate?
National Louis University has the higher graduation rate, at about 33% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of Chicago State University or National Louis University earn more?
National Louis University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,799 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 National Louis University require SAT or ACT scores?
Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. National Louis University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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