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University of Chicago vs Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

University of Chicago is a private university in Chicago, IL, and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public university in Carbondale, IL. University of Chicago is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 87% at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,297 a year against $14,860 at University of Chicago. About 95% of students graduate at University of Chicago, compared with 59% at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Ten years after enrolling, University of Chicago alumni earn a median of about $91,885, against $53,390 for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

University of Chicago

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
7,569
8,494
Acceptance rate
4%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
900–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,860
$13,297
Full cost / yr
$90,360
$28,329
In-state tuition
$70,662
$13,334
Out-of-state tuition
$70,662
$13,334
Application fee
$75
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$9,415
$30k - $48k
$914
$8,497
$48k - $75k
$226
$10,308
$75k - $110k
$12,602
$17,724
Over $110k
$48,524
$23,254
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
59%
Freshman retention
99%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$80,870
$43,087
Median earnings (10 yr)
$91,885
$53,390
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$21,543
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
39%
First-generation students
20%
35%
International students
18%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Rolling

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 University of Chicago or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale harder to get into?
University of Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 4% 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, University of Chicago or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,297 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,860 at University 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 University of Chicago and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Before aid, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale costs about $28,329 a year and University of Chicago about $90,360. 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, University of Chicago or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
University of Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,264 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, University of Chicago or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is the larger of the two, with about 8,494 undergraduates against 7,569 at University of Chicago.
Does University of Chicago or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale have a better graduation rate?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 59% at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
Do graduates of University of Chicago or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale earn more?
University of Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,885 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,390 for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Chicago and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at University of Chicago and 900–1160 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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