CSU vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Chico in Chico, CA with Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Chico is larger than Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

CSU vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Southern Illinois University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than CSU ($13,473 vs. $14,630).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 25.2% lower than at California State University Chico ($12,341 vs. $16,500).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 57.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $4,862 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58% higher at CSU than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $7,738 more per year; $21,072.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at California State University Chico (95% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 18.3% larger than aid received by California State University Chico students ($13,610 vs. $11,509).

CSU vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Southern Illinois University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Southern Illinois University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Chico (1070) is 40 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming CSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Southern Illinois University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

CSU vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Southern Illinois University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California State University Chico's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($17,000 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($175 vs. $232).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.