Academic Comparison between Illinois State and School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Illinois State University and School of the Art Institute of Chicago are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Illinois State is a four-year, public school located in Normal, IL and School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Chicago, 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago has more expensive tuition & fees ($54,623) than Illinois State ($26,058).
  • It is harder to admit to School of the Art Institute of Chicago than Illinois State.
  • Illinois State has more students with 21,546 students while School of the Art Institute of Chicago has 3,394 students.
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago has 137 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Illinois State Universityvs.School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Normal, IllinoisLocationChicago, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationSchool of art, music, and design
In-State$14,410
Out-Of-State$26,058
2025 Tuition & Fees$54,623
83%% Receiving Financial Aid93%
$12,056Average Amount of Financial Aid$18,877
88.15 %Acceptance Rates77.47 %
22.53 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.77 %
1,100SAT Score-
24ACT Score-
65 %Graduation Rate67 %
-Transfer-out Rate23 %
81 %Retention Rate84 %
21,546Student Population3,394
907Number of Faculties137
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services