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Head to head · Illinois

DePaul University vs Illinois State University

Illinois State University costs less than DePaul University at every income band federal data covers — between $7,192 and $15,791 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeDePaul UniversityIllinois State UniversityDifference
Under $30k$27,359$11,568$15,791
$30–48k$25,950$12,301$13,649
$48–75k$28,687$16,348$12,339
$75–110k$31,057$23,865$7,192
Over $110k$37,092$28,224$8,868

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

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Four years, at $75–110k

DePaul University$130,905
Illinois State University$100,591
Difference over four years$30,314

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate76% · 88%
Average SAT1262 · 1113

Listed DePaul University first, then Illinois State University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$68,751 · $62,117
Graduate in four years55% · 49%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$23,168 · $20,482

Again DePaul University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

DePaul University — every income band · Illinois State University — every income band · All Illinois public colleges