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Eureka College vs Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Eureka College is a private college in Eureka, IL. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public university in Carbondale, IL. Eureka College admits about 85% of applicants and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale about 87%, making Eureka College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,297 a year at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale after aid, and about $17,349 at Eureka College. About 59% of students graduate at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, compared with 41% at Eureka College. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale alumni earn a median of about $53,390, against $51,641 for Eureka College.

Eureka College

Eureka, IL · Private

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Eureka, IL
Carbondale, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
522
8,494
Acceptance rate
85%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
870–1155
900–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
16–23
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,349
$13,297
Full cost / yr
$39,578
$28,329
In-state tuition
$29,096
$13,334
Out-of-state tuition
$29,096
$13,334
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,711
$9,415
$30k - $48k
$14,527
$8,497
$48k - $75k
$14,602
$10,308
$75k - $110k
$21,458
$17,724
Over $110k
$23,482
$23,254
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
59%
Freshman retention
50%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,968
$43,087
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,641
$53,390
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$21,543
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
39%
First-generation students
34%
35%
International students
1%
2%
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 Eureka College or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale harder to get into?
Eureka College is harder to get into. It admits about 85% of applicants, compared with 87% at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Eureka College or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,297 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,349 at Eureka 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 Eureka College and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Before aid, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale costs about $28,329 a year and Eureka College about $39,578. 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, Eureka College or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,415 there, against about $13,711 at Eureka College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Eureka College or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is the larger of the two, with about 8,494 undergraduates against 522 at Eureka College.
Does Eureka College or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale have a better graduation rate?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 41% at Eureka College.
Do graduates of Eureka College or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale earn more?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,390 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,641 for Eureka College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Eureka College and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale require SAT or ACT scores?
Eureka College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Eureka College and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 870–1155 at Eureka College and 900–1160 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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