University of Illinois Chicago vs Illinois State University Comparison

Make an informed decision by weighing 2026 costs, earnings, and admission rates side-by-side.

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University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL

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Illinois State University

Normal, IL

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Metric	University of Illinois Chicago	Illinois State University
Admissions
Acceptance Rate	78.5%	89.0% Higher Odds
SAT Midpoint	1242	1127
Financials
Annual Tuition (In-State)	$14,338 Lower Cost	$16,021
Average Net Price	$12,313	$18,996
Outcomes
Median Graduate Salary	$68,740 Higher ROI	$62,117
Graduation Rate	N/A	N/A

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2026 Tuition Analysis

We compare real net prices paid by families across federal, state, and institutional aid levels, giving you a clear view of 2026 affordability.

Verified ROI Data

Salary outcomes are sourced from Department of Education records of students who received financial aid, measured 10 years after enrollment.

Admission Odds

Compare acceptance rates and test midpoints side-by-side to determine which schools fall into your Safety, Match, or Reach categories.

Everything You Need to Know About Comparing Colleges

How accurate is the 2026 tuition data?

Our data is sourced from the most recent U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard releases. For the 2026 academic cycle, we utilize the aggregate net price data which accounts for federal grants, institutional aid, and state-level support to provide the most accurate "real cost" estimate possible.

Are these earnings figures from verified Department of Education sources?

Yes. Unlike self-reported salary surveys which are often biased, the Median Graduate Salary data used in our comparison tool is based on IRS administrative records for students who received federal financial aid. This ensures 100% data integrity and transparency for your career ROI analysis.

Why should I compare test score midpoints side-by-side?

Comparing midpoints across multiple schools helps you understand where you stand in the applicant pool. If your scores are in the top 25% of a school's range, it may be a 'Safety'. If they are at the midpoint or below, it moves toward a 'Match' or 'Reach'. Using our 2026 data helps you build a balanced application strategy.