CSU vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Chicago State University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Central College 11:1.

CSU vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Central College? 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 Chicago State University than Central College ($10,441 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 4.2% lower than at Central College ($11,550 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 64.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $8,234 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.6% higher at Central College than at Chicago State University (about $8,234 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Chicago State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 30.7% larger than aid received by Central College students ($18,194 vs. $13,925).

CSU vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Central College? 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 Central College and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 230 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Central College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at CSU (3.18).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 21% at Central College.

CSU vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Central College? 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).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central College graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Central College graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($279 vs. $323).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 25%)

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.