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Illinois State University vs Dominican University

Illinois State University is a public university in Normal, IL. Dominican University is a private university in River Forest, IL. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants and Dominican University about 90%, making Illinois State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,745 a year at Dominican University after aid, and about $19,398 at Illinois State University. About 65% of students graduate at Illinois State University, compared with 59% at Dominican University. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois State University alumni earn a median of about $62,117, against $60,327 for Dominican University.

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Normal, IL
River Forest, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
19,057
2,561
Acceptance rate
88%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.15–3.65
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1210
880–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
16–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,398
$11,745
Full cost / yr
$34,309
$43,891
In-state tuition
$16,144
$38,978
Out-of-state tuition
$28,210
$38,978
Application fee
$55
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,568
$9,759
$30k - $48k
$12,301
$9,014
$48k - $75k
$16,348
$11,891
$75k - $110k
$23,865
$16,851
Over $110k
$28,224
$17,963
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
59%
Freshman retention
81%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,599
$47,907
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,117
$60,327
Median debt at graduation
$20,482
$24,411
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
52%
First-generation students
30%
51%
International students
1%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
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 Illinois State University or Dominican University harder to get into?
Illinois State University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% of applicants, compared with 90% at Dominican 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, Illinois State University or Dominican University?
Dominican University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,745 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,398 at Illinois State 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 Illinois State University and Dominican University?
Before aid, Illinois State University costs about $34,309 a year and Dominican University about $43,891. 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, Illinois State University or Dominican University?
Dominican University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,759 there, against about $11,568 at Illinois State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Illinois State University or Dominican University?
Illinois State University is the larger of the two, with about 19,057 undergraduates against 2,561 at Dominican University.
Does Illinois State University or Dominican University have a better graduation rate?
Illinois State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 59% at Dominican University.
Do graduates of Illinois State University or Dominican University earn more?
Illinois State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,117 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,327 for Dominican University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Illinois State University and Dominican University require SAT or ACT scores?
Illinois State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Dominican University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Illinois State University and Dominican University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1210 at Illinois State University and 880–1100 at Dominican University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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