Southern Illinois University-Carbondale vs Concordia University-Chicago: which has better ROI?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,188 in 10.6 years versus 12.9 years at Concordia University-Chicago, on median earnings of $53,390 vs $54,089 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Concordia University-Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,297 | $18,436 |
| Total net cost | $53,188 | $73,744 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,390 | $54,089 |
| Median debt | $21,543 | $23,000 |
| Payback | 10.6 yrs | 12.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $47,412 | $40,836 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or Concordia University-Chicago?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, at $13,297 a year after aid versus $18,436 — a gap of $5,139 a year, or $20,556 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or Concordia University-Chicago graduates earn more?
Concordia University-Chicago graduates report a median $54,089 ten years after entry, $699 more than the $53,390 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. 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, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or Concordia University-Chicago?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale: its completers carry a median $21,543 in federal loans versus $23,000 at Concordia University-Chicago, a difference of $1,457. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
62% of students finish at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, against 36% at Concordia University-Chicago. 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.