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Illinois State University and Columbia College Chicago are both public institutions — Illinois State University in Normal, IL and Columbia College Chicago in Chicago, IL. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Normal, IL · Public
Acceptance rate: 88.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 19,057
Tuition: $28,210/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 64.5%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Education, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Normal, IL with published program strength in Business and marketing and Education.
Chicago, IL · Private
Acceptance rate: 89.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 5,368
Tuition: $34,088/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 51.5%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts, Communication, English
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Chicago, IL with published program strength in Visual and performing arts and Communication.
| Factor | Illinois State University | Columbia College Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 88.1% | 89.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 990–1210 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 21–27 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 19,057 | 5,368 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,210/year | $34,088/year |
| Average net price after aid | $19,398 | $26,598 |
| Graduation rate | 64.5% | 51.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $62,117 | $42,195 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 15.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Normal, IL | Chicago, IL |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Education, Health professions | Visual and performing arts, Communication, English |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (88.1% vs 89.5%). Illinois State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($19,398 vs $26,598). Illinois State University reports the higher graduation rate (64.5% vs 51.5%). Illinois State University is the larger undergraduate campus (19,057 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Illinois State University vs Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
88.1% vs 86.9% acceptance rate
Illinois State University vs University of Illinois Chicago
88.1% vs 77.3% acceptance rate
Illinois State University vs University of Illinois Springfield
88.1% vs 85.9% acceptance rate
Illinois State University vs Chamberlain University-Illinois
88.1% vs 82.6% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between Illinois State University and Columbia College Chicago
Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88.1%; Columbia College Chicago is around 89.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Illinois State University tuition is $28,210/year. Columbia College Chicago is $34,088/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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