ISU vs. Heidelberg University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Heidelberg University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 1,091 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Heidelberg University is in Tiffin, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Heidelberg University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Heidelberg University 14:1.

ISU vs. Heidelberg University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg University than ISU ($19,447 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 4.4% lower than at Heidelberg University ($11,754 vs. $12,300).
• Heidelberg University is 108.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $17,506 more per year; $33,650.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at Heidelberg University than at Illinois State University (about $5,440 more per year; $33,650.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Heidelberg University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Heidelberg University students is 110.9% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($27,363 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Heidelberg University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg University and ISU.

• Heidelberg University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is the same as at Heidelberg University (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Heidelberg University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Heidelberg University 1030/1162.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Heidelberg University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Heidelberg University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Heidelberg University (3.33).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Heidelberg University (85.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 18.2% at Heidelberg University.

ISU vs. Heidelberg University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Heidelberg 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Heidelberg University's (55%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Heidelberg University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $40,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Heidelberg University graduates ($22,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Heidelberg University graduates ($227 vs. $289).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Heidelberg University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 64%)

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.