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University of Illinois Chicago vs Illinois State University

University of Illinois Chicago is a public university in Chicago, IL. Illinois State University is a public university in Normal, IL. University of Illinois Chicago admits about 77% of applicants and Illinois State University about 88%, making University of Illinois Chicago the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,974 a year at University of Illinois Chicago after aid, and about $19,398 at Illinois State University. About 65% of students graduate at Illinois State University, compared with 61% at University of Illinois Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, University of Illinois Chicago alumni earn a median of about $68,740, against $62,117 for Illinois State University.

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Normal, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
22,170
19,057
Acceptance rate
77%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1350
990–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,974
$19,398
Full cost / yr
$27,521
$34,309
In-state tuition
$14,338
$16,144
Out-of-state tuition
$29,884
$28,210
Application fee
$60
$55
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,529
$11,568
$30k - $48k
$8,119
$12,301
$48k - $75k
$10,921
$16,348
$75k - $110k
$16,185
$23,865
Over $110k
$25,047
$28,224
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
65%
Freshman retention
80%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,218
$50,599
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,740
$62,117
Median debt at graduation
$16,704
$20,482
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
32%
First-generation students
44%
30%
International students
7%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
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 University of Illinois Chicago or Illinois State University harder to get into?
University of Illinois Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 88% at Illinois State University. 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 Illinois Chicago or Illinois State University?
University of Illinois Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,974 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,398 at Illinois State University. 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 Illinois Chicago and Illinois State University?
Before aid, University of Illinois Chicago costs about $27,521 a year and Illinois State University about $34,309. 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 Illinois Chicago or Illinois State University?
University of Illinois Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,529 there, against about $11,568 at Illinois State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Illinois Chicago or Illinois State University?
University of Illinois Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 22,170 undergraduates against 19,057 at Illinois State University.
Does University of Illinois Chicago or Illinois State University have a better graduation rate?
Illinois State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 61% at University of Illinois Chicago.
Do graduates of University of Illinois Chicago or Illinois State University earn more?
University of Illinois Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,740 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,117 for Illinois State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Illinois Chicago and Illinois State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Illinois Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Illinois State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Illinois Chicago and Illinois State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1350 at University of Illinois Chicago and 990–1210 at Illinois 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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