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Illinois State University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale are both public institutions — Illinois State University in Normal, IL and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in Carbondale, 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.
Carbondale, IL · Public
Acceptance rate: 86.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 8,494
Tuition: $13,334/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 62.4%
Top programs: Health professions, Education, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Carbondale, IL with published program strength in Health professions and Education.
| Factor | Illinois State University | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 88.1% | 86.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 990–1210 |
| 900–1160 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 21–27 | 18–25 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 19,057 | 8,494 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,210/year | $13,334/year |
| Average net price after aid | $19,398 | $13,297 |
| Graduation rate | 64.5% | 62.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $62,117 | $53,390 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Normal, IL | Carbondale, IL |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Education, Health professions | Health professions, Education, Business and marketing |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (88.1% vs 86.9%). Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,297 vs $19,398). Illinois State University reports the higher graduation rate (64.5% vs 62.4%). 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.
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Common questions when choosing between Illinois State University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88.1%; Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is around 86.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Illinois State University tuition is $28,210/year. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is $13,334/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.
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