Skip to content

University of Chicago vs Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

University of Chicago is a private university in Chicago, IL. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public university in Edwardsville, IL. University of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville about 98%, making University of Chicago the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,860 a year at University of Chicago after aid, and about $14,889 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. About 95% of students graduate at University of Chicago, compared with 56% at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Ten years after enrolling, University of Chicago alumni earn a median of about $91,885, against $56,346 for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Edwardsville, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,569
8,750
Acceptance rate
4%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
950–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,860
$14,889
Full cost / yr
$90,360
$28,919
In-state tuition
$70,662
$12,922
Out-of-state tuition
$70,662
$12,922
Application fee
$75
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$8,483
$30k - $48k
$914
$8,587
$48k - $75k
$226
$11,116
$75k - $110k
$12,602
$19,351
Over $110k
$48,524
$24,684
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
56%
Freshman retention
99%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$80,870
$46,384
Median earnings (10 yr)
$91,885
$56,346
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
33%
First-generation students
20%
31%
International students
18%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
May 1

* 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 Edwardsville harder to get into?
University of Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 98% at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 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 Edwardsville?
University of Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,860 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,889 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 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 Edwardsville?
Before aid, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville costs about $28,919 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 Edwardsville?
University of Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,264 there, against about $8,483 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 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 Edwardsville?
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is the larger of the two, with about 8,750 undergraduates against 7,569 at University of Chicago.
Does University of Chicago or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville have a better graduation rate?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 56% at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Do graduates of University of Chicago or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn more?
University of Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,885 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,346 for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Chicago and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Chicago and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at University of Chicago and 950–1190 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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