Head-to-head · 2026
Carl Sandburg College vs College of DuPage
Compare average net price ($3,662 at Carl Sandburg College; $7,401 at College of DuPage), ROI score (24.08 vs 15.85), ten-year median earnings ($35,274 vs $46,909), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Carl Sandburg College; Open / not reported at College of DuPage) using federal College Scorecard data. Carl Sandburg College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Carl Sandburg College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Carl Sandburg College | College of DuPage |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 24.08 ✓ | 15.85 |
| Avg net price | $3,662 ✓ | $7,401 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $35,274 | $46,909 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 50% ✓ | 25.2% |
| Median debt | $4,909 ✓ | $10,410 |
| Enrollment | 1,051 | 16,114 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
College of DuPage costs $3,739 more per year than Carl Sandburg College ($7,401 vs $3,662). College of DuPage graduates report $11,635 higher median earnings after ten years ($46,909 vs $35,274). On EduGradify's model that puts Carl Sandburg College ahead on projected ROI (24.08 vs 15.85, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Carl Sandburg College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Carl Sandburg College vs College of DuPage, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Carl Sandburg College or College of DuPage the better value?
Carl Sandburg College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (24.08 vs 15.85), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Carl Sandburg College is cheaper — average net price $3,662 per year vs $7,401 at College of DuPage. The annual difference of $3,739 adds up to about $14,956 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
College of DuPage reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $46,909 vs $35,274 at Carl Sandburg College. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,635.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Carl Sandburg College reports a A+ value grade; College of DuPage reports A.