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Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Columbia College Chicago are both public institutions — Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in Carbondale, 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.
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.
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 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Columbia College Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 86.9% | 89.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 900–1160 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 18–25 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 8,494 | 5,368 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,334/year | $34,088/year |
| Average net price after aid | $13,297 | $26,598 |
| Graduation rate | 62.4% | 51.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $53,390 | $42,195 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 11.0:1 | 15.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Carbondale, IL | Chicago, IL |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Education, Business and marketing | Visual and performing arts, Communication, English |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (86.9% vs 89.5%). Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,297 vs $26,598). Southern Illinois University-Carbondale reports the higher graduation rate (62.4% vs 51.5%). Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is the larger undergraduate campus (8,494 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.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale vs Illinois State University
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Southern Illinois University-Carbondale vs Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
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Common questions when choosing between Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Columbia College Chicago
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 86.9%; Columbia College Chicago is around 89.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale tuition is $13,334/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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