ISU vs. Albion College

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Albion College in Albion, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Albion College based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 1,308 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Albion College is in Albion, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Albion College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Albion College 11:1.

ISU vs. Albion College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Albion 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 Albion College than ISU ($16,719 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 8.4% lower than at Albion College ($11,754 vs. $12,830).
• Albion College is 252.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $40,806 more per year; $56,950.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.9% higher at Albion College than at Illinois State University (about $28,740 more per year; $56,950.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Albion College than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Albion College students is 310.8% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($53,298 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Albion College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Albion 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 Albion College and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 50 points higher than at Albion College (1050).
• Incoming ISU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Albion College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Albion College 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Albion College 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Albion College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Albion College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Albion College (80.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 6.9% at Albion College.

ISU vs. Albion College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Albion 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Albion College's (68%).
• Graduates from Albion College earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,600 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $5,200 lower median loan debt than Albion College graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,200).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Albion College graduates ($227 vs. $281).
• More Albion College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 74%)

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.