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Chicago State University vs Greenville University: which has better ROI?

Public, Chicago IL · vs · Private nonprofit, Greenville IL

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Greenville University comes closer — median earnings $46,827 against a $78,132 total, vs $42,778 at Chicago State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureChicago State UniversityGreenville University
Net price / yr$12,335$19,533
Total net cost$49,340$78,132
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,778$46,827
Median debt$30,625$23,875
Payback
20-year net return-$160,980-$108,792

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

Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or Greenville University?

Chicago State University, at $12,335 a year after aid versus $19,533 — a gap of $7,198 a year, or $28,792 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 Greenville University graduates earn more?

Greenville University graduates report a median $46,827 ten years after entry, $4,049 more than the $42,778 at Chicago State 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 Greenville University?

Greenville University: its completers carry a median $23,875 in federal loans versus $30,625 at Chicago State University, a difference of $6,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

40% of students finish at Greenville 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.

Chicago State University vs Greenville University: frequently asked questions

Is Chicago State University or Greenville University a better value?
Greenville 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 Greenville University?
Chicago State University: $12,335/yr net price after aid versus $19,533/yr at Greenville University — a difference of $7,198 a year, or about $28,792 over four years.
Do Chicago State University or Greenville University graduates earn more?
Greenville University graduates earn a median $46,827 ten years after entry, versus $42,778 at Chicago State University — a $4,049 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.