Illinois College vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than Illinois College based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 942 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois College is located in Jacksonville, IL (Distant Town setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Illinois College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois College 12:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Illinois College vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois College or Columbia International 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 Illinois College than Columbia International University ($17,375 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 0.6% lower than at Illinois College ($11,950 vs. $12,026).
• Illinois College is 38.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $10,776 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.6% higher at Illinois College than at Columbia International University (about $10,776 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois College than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois College students is 85.8% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($31,609 vs. $17,009).

Illinois College vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Illinois College or Columbia International University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia International University and Illinois College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 60 points higher than at Illinois College (1030).
• Incoming Illinois College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Illinois College 883/1180; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Illinois College 19/26; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois College - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Illinois College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Illinois College (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Illinois College vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Illinois College vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois College and Columbia International University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• The graduation rate at Illinois College is the same as at Columbia International University (57% vs. 57%).
• Graduates from Illinois College earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Illinois College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Illinois College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Illinois College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 63%)

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.