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Illinois State University vs Monmouth College

Illinois State University is a public university in Normal, IL, and Monmouth College is a private college in Monmouth, IL. Illinois State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 88% of applicants against 91% at Monmouth College. Monmouth College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,133 a year against $19,398 at Illinois State University. About 65% of students graduate at Illinois State University, compared with 62% at Monmouth College. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois State University alumni earn a median of about $62,117, against $51,110 for Monmouth College.

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

Monmouth College

Monmouth, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Normal, IL
Monmouth, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
19,057
702
Acceptance rate
88%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.26–3.76
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1210
1000–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,398
$17,133
Full cost / yr
$34,309
$57,157
In-state tuition
$16,144
$44,922
Out-of-state tuition
$28,210
$44,922
Application fee
$55
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,568
$12,483
$30k - $48k
$12,301
$12,400
$48k - $75k
$16,348
$14,782
$75k - $110k
$23,865
$18,057
Over $110k
$28,224
$21,678
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
62%
Freshman retention
81%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,599
$43,158
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,117
$51,110
Median debt at graduation
$20,482
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
37%
First-generation students
30%
32%
International students
1%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Apr 1

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 Monmouth College harder to get into?
Illinois State University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% of applicants, compared with 91% at Monmouth 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, Illinois State University or Monmouth College?
Monmouth College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,133 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 Monmouth College?
Before aid, Illinois State University costs about $34,309 a year and Monmouth College about $57,157. 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 Monmouth College?
Illinois State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,568 there, against about $12,483 at Monmouth College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Illinois State University or Monmouth College?
Illinois State University is the larger of the two, with about 19,057 undergraduates against 702 at Monmouth College.
Does Illinois State University or Monmouth College have a better graduation rate?
Illinois State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 62% at Monmouth College.
Do graduates of Illinois State University or Monmouth College earn more?
Illinois State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,117 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,110 for Monmouth College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Illinois State University and Monmouth College require SAT or ACT scores?
Illinois State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Monmouth College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Illinois State University and Monmouth College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1210 at Illinois State University and 1000–1210 at Monmouth College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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