Academic Comparison between Illinois State and Rockford

Illinois State University and Rockford University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Illinois State is a four-year, public school located in Normal, IL and Rockford is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Rockford, 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 State is a public and Rockford is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Rockford has more expensive tuition & fees ($37,780) than Illinois State ($26,058).
  • It is harder to admit to Illinois State than Rockford.
  • Illinois State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,100) than Rockford (940).
  • Illinois State has higher submitted ACT score (24) than Rockford (20).
  • Illinois State has more students with 21,546 students while Rockford has 1,241 students.
  • Rockford has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Illinois State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Illinois State has more full-time faculties with 907 faculties while Rockford has 74 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Illinois State Universityvs.Rockford University
Normal, IllinoisLocationRockford, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$14,410
Out-Of-State$26,058
2025 Tuition & Fees$37,780
83%% Receiving Financial Aid86%
$12,056Average Amount of Financial Aid$24,997
88.15 %Acceptance Rates92.91 %
22.53 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.38 %
1,100SAT Score940
24ACT Score20
65 %Graduation Rate47 %
-Transfer-out Rate19 %
81 %Retention Rate65 %
21,546Student Population1,241
907Number of Faculties74
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services