Chicago State University vs East-West University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Chicago State University comes closer — median earnings $42,778 against a $49,340 total, vs $29,963 at East-West University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Chicago State University | East-West University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,335 | $21,697 |
| Total net cost | $49,340 | $86,788 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,778 | $29,963 |
| Median debt | $30,625 | $26,986 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$160,980 | -$454,728 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or East-West University?
Chicago State University, at $12,335 a year after aid versus $21,697 — a gap of $9,362 a year, or $37,448 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Chicago State University or East-West University graduates earn more?
Chicago State University graduates report a median $42,778 ten years after entry, $12,815 more than the $29,963 at East-West University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Chicago State University or East-West University?
East-West University: its completers carry a median $26,986 in federal loans versus $30,625 at Chicago State University, a difference of $3,639. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
16% of students finish at East-West University, against 15% at Chicago State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.