Degree Dividend
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Chicago State University vs Fox College: which has better ROI?

Public, Chicago IL · vs · Private for-profit, Tinley Park IL

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Chicago State University comes closer — median earnings $42,778 against a $49,340 total, vs $41,539 at Fox College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureChicago State UniversityFox College
Net price / yr$12,335$13,109
Total net cost$49,340$26,218
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,778$41,539
Median debt$30,625$16,209
Payback
20-year net return-$160,980-$162,638

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or Fox College?

Chicago State University, at $12,335 a year after aid versus $13,109 — a gap of $774 a year, or $23,122 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 Fox College graduates earn more?

Chicago State University graduates report a median $42,778 ten years after entry, $1,239 more than the $41,539 at Fox College. 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 Fox College?

Fox College: its completers carry a median $16,209 in federal loans versus $30,625 at Chicago State University, a difference of $14,416. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Fox College, 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.

Chicago State University vs Fox College: frequently asked questions

Is Chicago State University or Fox College a better value?
Chicago State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or Fox College?
Chicago State University: $12,335/yr net price after aid versus $13,109/yr at Fox College — a difference of $774 a year, or about $23,122 over four years.
Do Chicago State University or Fox College graduates earn more?
Chicago State University graduates earn a median $42,778 ten years after entry, versus $41,539 at Fox College — a $1,239 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.