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Southern Illinois University-Carbondale vs Wheaton College

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public university in Carbondale, IL. Wheaton College is a private college in Wheaton, IL. Both admit about 87% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $13,297 a year at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale after aid, and about $26,975 at Wheaton College. About 86% of students graduate at Wheaton College, compared with 59% at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Ten years after enrolling, Wheaton College alumni earn a median of about $63,756, against $53,390 for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

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Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Carbondale, IL
Wheaton, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,494
2,121
Acceptance rate
87%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.28–3.78
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1160
1260–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,297
$26,975
Full cost / yr
$28,329
$59,263
In-state tuition
$13,334
$45,546
Out-of-state tuition
$13,334
$45,546
Application fee
$40
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,415
$20,001
$30k - $48k
$8,497
$18,587
$48k - $75k
$10,308
$20,553
$75k - $110k
$17,724
$24,176
Over $110k
$23,254
$33,435
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
86%
Freshman retention
67%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,087
$50,270
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,390
$63,756
Median debt at graduation
$21,543
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
22%
First-generation students
35%
Not reported
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Oct 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 15

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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or Wheaton College harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 87% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or Wheaton College?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,297 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,975 at Wheaton 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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Wheaton College?
Before aid, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale costs about $28,329 a year and Wheaton College about $59,263. 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, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or Wheaton College?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,415 there, against about $20,001 at Wheaton College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or Wheaton College?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is the larger of the two, with about 8,494 undergraduates against 2,121 at Wheaton College.
Does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or Wheaton College have a better graduation rate?
Wheaton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 59% at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
Do graduates of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or Wheaton College earn more?
Wheaton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,756 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,390 for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Wheaton College require SAT or ACT scores?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wheaton College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Wheaton College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1160 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and 1260–1470 at Wheaton College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school