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Chicago State University vs North Central College

Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL. North Central College is a private college in Naperville, IL. Chicago State University admits about 43% of applicants and North Central College about 77%, 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 $21,044 at North Central College. About 68% of students graduate at North Central College, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, North Central College alumni earn a median of about $60,123, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,384
2,428
Acceptance rate
43%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.9
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
750–963
1055–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,335
$21,044
Full cost / yr
$29,764
$57,219
In-state tuition
$12,754
$45,726
Out-of-state tuition
$12,754
$45,726
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,073
$12,507
$30k - $48k
$9,550
$13,486
$48k - $75k
$11,334
$16,362
$75k - $110k
$13,899
$20,590
Over $110k
$28,427
$26,961
Outcomes
Graduation rate
16%
68%
Freshman retention
57%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,805
$51,762
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,778
$60,123
Median debt at graduation
$30,625
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
24%
First-generation students
42%
27%
International students
3%
4%
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 North Central College harder to get into?
Chicago State University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 77% at North Central College. 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 North Central College?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,044 at North Central College. 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 North Central College?
Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 a year and North Central College about $57,219. 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 North Central College?
Chicago State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,073 there, against about $12,507 at North Central College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Chicago State University or North Central College?
North Central College is the larger of the two, with about 2,428 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
Does Chicago State University or North Central College have a better graduation rate?
North Central College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of Chicago State University or North Central College earn more?
North Central College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,123 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 North Central College require SAT or ACT scores?
Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. North Central College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Chicago State University and North Central College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–963 at Chicago State University and 1055–1310 at North Central College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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