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Saint Xavier University vs Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Saint Xavier University is a private university in Chicago, IL. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public university in Carbondale, IL. Saint Xavier University admits about 84% of applicants and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale about 87%, making Saint Xavier University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,970 a year at Saint Xavier University after aid, and about $13,297 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. About 59% of students graduate at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, compared with 58% at Saint Xavier University. Ten years after enrolling, Saint Xavier University alumni earn a median of about $58,656, against $53,390 for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL · Private

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Carbondale, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,096
8,494
Acceptance rate
84%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
950–1120
900–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,970
$13,297
Full cost / yr
$43,244
$28,329
In-state tuition
$37,940
$13,334
Out-of-state tuition
$37,940
$13,334
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,572
$9,415
$30k - $48k
$7,702
$8,497
$48k - $75k
$9,715
$10,308
$75k - $110k
$15,132
$17,724
Over $110k
$17,864
$23,254
Outcomes
Graduation rate
58%
59%
Freshman retention
76%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,784
$43,087
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,656
$53,390
Median debt at graduation
$22,223
$21,543
Student body
Pell grant recipients
59%
39%
First-generation students
49%
35%
International students
0%
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 Saint Xavier University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale harder to get into?
Saint Xavier University is harder to get into. It admits about 84% 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, Saint Xavier University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Saint Xavier University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,970 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,297 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Saint Xavier University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Before aid, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale costs about $28,329 a year and Saint Xavier University about $43,244. 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, Saint Xavier University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Saint Xavier University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,572 there, against about $9,415 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Saint Xavier University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is the larger of the two, with about 8,494 undergraduates against 3,096 at Saint Xavier University.
Does Saint Xavier University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale have a better graduation rate?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 58% at Saint Xavier University.
Do graduates of Saint Xavier University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale earn more?
Saint Xavier University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,656 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,390 for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Saint Xavier University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale require SAT or ACT scores?
Saint Xavier University 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 Saint Xavier University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 950–1120 at Saint Xavier University 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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