Head-to-head · 2026
College of DuPage vs University of Illinois Springfield
Compare average net price ($7,401 at College of DuPage; $9,833 at University of Illinois Springfield), ROI score (15.85 vs 14.52), ten-year median earnings ($46,909 vs $57,103), and admissions context (Open / not reported at College of DuPage; 85.9% at University of Illinois Springfield) using federal College Scorecard data. College of DuPage has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. College of DuPage 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 | College of DuPage | University of Illinois Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.85 ✓ | 14.52 |
| Avg net price | $7,401 ✓ | $9,833 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,909 | $57,103 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 85.9% |
| Graduation rate | 25.2% | 53.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,410 ✓ | $19,128 |
| Enrollment | 16,114 | 2,263 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1102 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Illinois Springfield costs $2,432 more per year than College of DuPage ($9,833 vs $7,401). University of Illinois Springfield graduates report $10,194 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,103 vs $46,909). On EduGradify's model that puts College of DuPage ahead on projected ROI (15.85 vs 14.52, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (College of DuPage) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Illinois Springfield reports 85.9% acceptance; College of DuPage does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
College of DuPage vs University of Illinois Springfield, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of DuPage or University of Illinois Springfield the better value?
College of DuPage has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.85 vs 14.52), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of DuPage is cheaper — average net price $7,401 per year vs $9,833 at University of Illinois Springfield. The annual difference of $2,432 adds up to about $9,728 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Illinois Springfield reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,103 vs $46,909 at College of DuPage. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,194.
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. College of DuPage reports a A value grade; University of Illinois Springfield reports A.