Academic Comparison between Illinois and Illinois State

Illinois College and Illinois State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Illinois is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Jacksonville, IL and Illinois State is a four-year, public school located in Normal, IL.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Illinois is a private (not-for-profit) and Illinois State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Illinois has more expensive tuition & fees ($38,676) than Illinois State ($26,058).
  • It is harder to admit to Illinois than Illinois State.
  • Illinois State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,055) than Illinois (1,055).
  • Illinois State has higher submitted ACT score (21) than Illinois (21).
  • Illinois State has more students with 21,546 students while Illinois has 942 students.
  • Illinois has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Illinois State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Illinois State has more full-time faculties with 907 faculties while Illinois has 73 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Illinois Collegevs.Illinois State University
Jacksonville, IllinoisLocationNormal, Illinois
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$38,6762025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,410
Out-Of-State$26,058
95%% Receiving Financial Aid83%
$30,179Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,056
78.19 %Acceptance Rates88.15 %
8.24 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.53 %
1,055SAT Score1,100
21ACT Score24
64 %Graduation Rate65 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
71 %Retention Rate81 %
942Student Population21,546
73Number of Faculties907
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare