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School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs Chicago State University

School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private institute in Chicago, IL. Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Chicago State University admits about 43% of applicants and School of the Art Institute of Chicago about 77%, making Chicago State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,335 a year at Chicago State University after aid, and about $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. About 65% of students graduate at School of the Art Institute of Chicago, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, Chicago State University alumni earn a median of about $42,778, against $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,805
1,384
Acceptance rate
77%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.2–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1048–1260
750–963
ACT (middle 50%)
22–25
15–19
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,790
$12,335
Full cost / yr
$75,625
$29,764
In-state tuition
$56,420
$12,754
Out-of-state tuition
$56,420
$12,754
Application fee
$65
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$43,798
$9,073
$30k - $48k
$39,845
$9,550
$48k - $75k
$46,708
$11,334
$75k - $110k
$49,595
$13,899
Over $110k
$55,790
$28,427
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
16%
Freshman retention
84%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,742
$33,805
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,151
$42,778
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$30,625
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
58%
First-generation students
21%
42%
International students
28%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Chicago State University harder to get into?
Chicago State University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 77% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Chicago State University?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Chicago State University?
Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 a year and School of the Art Institute of Chicago about $75,625. 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, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Chicago State University?
Chicago State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,073 there, against about $43,798 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Chicago State University?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 2,805 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
Does School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Chicago State University have a better graduation rate?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Chicago State University earn more?
Chicago State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $42,778 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Chicago State University require SAT or ACT scores?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Chicago State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1048–1260 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and 750–963 at Chicago State 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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