Southern Illinois University vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 10,811 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 25.1% lower than at Central Washington University ($12,341 vs. $16,480).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.4% higher at Central Washington University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $14,192 more per year; $27,526 vs. $13,334).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Central Washington University (95% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 54.4% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($13,610 vs. $8,816).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at Southern Illinois University than at Central Washington University (21 vs. 20, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at Southern Illinois University, test-free at Central Washington University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Southern Illinois University average a 3.24 high school GPA, 0.16 higher than at Central Washington University (3.08).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $1,763 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($20,737 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($214 vs. $232).
• More Central Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation (60% vs. 51%).

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