ISU vs. Lewis University

Illinois State University and Lewis University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Illinois State University
Lewis University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Lewis University (71.3% admitted vs 88.2%). Typical SAT 1090 vs 1100.
  • Cheaper after aid: Lewis University. Average net price is $18,959 vs $21,369 at ISU.
  • Graduation: ISU 71% vs Lewis University 63%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: ISU $49,000 vs Lewis University $51,500 (median).
See your own chances ->

Key differences

Illinois State University Lewis University
Acceptance rate
Lewis University more selective
ISU88.2%
Lewis University71.3%
SAT range (middle 50%)
ISU higher
ISU990-1210
Lewis University960-1210
Average net price
Lewis University $2,410 less
ISU$21,369
Lewis University$18,959
In-state tuition
ISU $23,056 less
ISU$16,144
Lewis University$39,200
Out-of-state tuition
ISU $10,990 less
ISU$28,210
Lewis University$39,200
Graduation rate
ISU +8 pts
ISU71%
Lewis University63%
Median earnings (10 years)
Lewis University +$2,500
ISU$49,000
Lewis University$51,500

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

Admission calculator

Partner

Not sure you'd get in? Check your chances at ISU and Lewis University with Appily's free admission calculator.

Check my chances at ISU Check my chances at Lewis University
  • Applied
  • ISU 21,573
  • Lewis University 6,302
  • Admitted
  • ISU 19,017
  • Lewis University 4,493
  • Acceptance rate
  • ISU 88.2%
  • Lewis University 71.3%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • ISU 22.5%
  • Lewis University 15.3%
  • Typical SAT score
  • ISU 1100
  • Lewis University 1090
  • Typical ACT score
  • ISU 24
  • Lewis University 23
  • Average high school GPA
  • ISU 3.41
  • Lewis University 3.6
  • Typical high school grades
  • ISU B+
  • Lewis University A-
  • Admissions standards
  • ISU Moderate
  • Lewis University Moderate
  • Applicant competition
  • ISU
  • Lewis University Low
  • SAT range
  • ISU 990-1210
  • Lewis University 960-1210
  • ACT range
  • ISU 21-27
  • Lewis University 20-27
  • Submit test scores
  • ISU Test optional
  • Lewis University Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • ISU Apr 1, 2027
  • Lewis University
  • Tuition (in state)
  • ISU $16,144
  • Lewis University $39,200
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • ISU $28,210
  • Lewis University $39,200
  • Room & board
  • ISU $11,754
  • Lewis University $12,140
  • Average net price
  • ISU $21,369
  • Lewis University $18,959
  • Average grant aid
  • ISU $12,974
  • Lewis University $28,717
  • % receiving grant aid
  • ISU 96%
  • Lewis University 100%
  • Graduation rate
  • ISU 71%
  • Lewis University 63%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • ISU $49,000
  • Lewis University $51,500
  • Making student loan payments
  • ISU 74%
  • Lewis University 66%
  • Median student loan debt
  • ISU $22,000
  • Lewis University $24,625
  • Median loan payment
  • ISU $227
  • Lewis University $254
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • ISU 19:1
  • Lewis University 13:1
  • Popular majors
  • ISU
    • Business (20%)
    • Education (18%)
    • Social Sciences (6%)
    • Health Professions (6%)
    • Communication (5%)
  • Lewis University
    • Business (25%)
    • Health Professions (18%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (12%)
    • Education (10%)
    • Transportation and Materials Moving (9%)
  • Location
  • ISU Normal, IL
  • Lewis University Romeoville, IL
  • Setting
  • ISU Small City
  • Lewis University Large Suburban
  • Total enrollment
  • ISU 21,546
  • Lewis University 7,011
  • Type
  • ISU Public 4 Year
  • Lewis University Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • ISU #502
  • Lewis University #402

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Lewis University in Romeoville, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Illinois State University is larger than Lewis University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 7,011 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Lewis University is in Romeoville, IL (Large Suburban setting).
  • Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lewis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Lewis University 13:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 3.2% lower than at Lewis University ($11,754 vs. $12,140).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 39% higher at Lewis University than at Illinois State University (about $10,990 more per year; $39,200 vs. $28,210).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 121.3% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($28,717 vs. $12,974).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at ISU than at Lewis University (24 vs. 23, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both ISU and Lewis University.
  • Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Lewis University average a 3.6 high school GPA, 0.19 higher than at ISU (3.41).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 15.3% at Lewis University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $2,625 lower median loan debt than Lewis University graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,625).
  • Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lewis University graduates ($227 vs. $254).
  • More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lewis University students, three years after graduation (74% vs. 66%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

Change schools

You can add up to two more colleges. Each one gets its own column.

Illinois State University
Lewis University
Add a college Compare up to 4

Frequently compared to these colleges