Head-to-head · 2026
Carl Sandburg College vs University of Illinois Chicago
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Carl Sandburg College, 2 for University of Illinois Chicago — Carl Sandburg College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Carl Sandburg College | University of Illinois Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 24.08 ✓ | 15.66 |
| Avg net price | $3,662 ✓ | $10,974 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $35,274 | $68,740 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 77.4% |
| Graduation rate | 50% | 61.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $4,909 ✓ | $16,704 |
| Enrollment | 1,051 | 22,170 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1250 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Illinois Chicago costs $7,312 more per year than Carl Sandburg College ($10,974 vs $3,662). University of Illinois Chicago graduates report $33,466 higher median earnings after ten years ($68,740 vs $35,274). On EduGradify's model that puts Carl Sandburg College ahead on projected ROI (24.08 vs 15.66, 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, University of Illinois Chicago reports 77.4% acceptance; Carl Sandburg College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Carl Sandburg College vs University of Illinois Chicago, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Carl Sandburg College or University of Illinois Chicago the better value?
Carl Sandburg College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (24.08 vs 15.66), 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 $10,974 at University of Illinois Chicago. The annual difference of $7,312 adds up to about $29,248 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Illinois Chicago reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $68,740 vs $35,274 at Carl Sandburg College. The annual gap in the federal data is $33,466.
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; University of Illinois Chicago reports A.