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Eastern Illinois University vs University of St Francis

Eastern Illinois University is a public university in Charleston, IL, and University of St Francis is a private university in Joliet, IL. Both admit about 65% of applicants. Eastern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,786 a year against $13,006 at University of St Francis. About 66% of students graduate at University of St Francis, compared with 46% at Eastern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, University of St Francis alumni earn a median of about $63,926, against $51,989 for Eastern Illinois University.

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public

University of St Francis

Joliet, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Charleston, IL
Joliet, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,188
1,223
Acceptance rate
65%
65%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1090
1030–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
20–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,786
$13,006
Full cost / yr
$26,996
$46,239
In-state tuition
$13,679
$38,110
Out-of-state tuition
$16,217
$38,110
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,828
$8,547
$30k - $48k
$8,619
$5,584
$48k - $75k
$11,412
$10,749
$75k - $110k
$15,665
$11,311
Over $110k
$21,027
$20,192
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
66%
Freshman retention
72%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,694
$56,648
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,989
$63,926
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$21,079
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
39%
First-generation students
34%
42%
International students
3%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 12
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 Eastern Illinois University or University of St Francis harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 65% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Illinois University or University of St Francis?
Eastern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,786 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,006 at University of St Francis. 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 Eastern Illinois University and University of St Francis?
Before aid, Eastern Illinois University costs about $26,996 a year and University of St Francis about $46,239. 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, Eastern Illinois University or University of St Francis?
University of St Francis. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,547 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, Eastern Illinois University or University of St Francis?
Eastern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,188 undergraduates against 1,223 at University of St Francis.
Does Eastern Illinois University or University of St Francis have a better graduation rate?
University of St Francis has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 46% at Eastern Illinois University.
Do graduates of Eastern Illinois University or University of St Francis earn more?
University of St Francis alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,926 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,989 for Eastern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Eastern Illinois University and University of St Francis require SAT or ACT scores?
Eastern Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of St Francis is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Eastern Illinois University and University of St Francis look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1090 at Eastern Illinois University and 1030–1220 at University of St Francis. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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