Prairie State College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Prairie State’s 66.9% acceptance rate means admission is a realistic goal for many students, so your next question should be whether it gives you the support and path you need. With a 51% freshman retention rate, look closely at advising, tutoring, transfer planning, and scheduling before you decide.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Prairie State College facts and stats
Prairie State College enrolls 2,953 undergraduates in a suburban setting. Prairie State reports a 51% freshman retention rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
Chicago Heights, IL

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Key Prairie State College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
July 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Prairie State, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year so you can use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for superscore-focused retakes. Since Prairie State does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, work backward from its Regular Decision deadline and use the last fall retake whose scores will arrive by that date. Do not plan your testing around the July 1 financial aid priority deadline, since it is not a score-submission cutoff.
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What you'll actually pay
At Prairie State, in-state tuition is $8,610 and out-of-state tuition is $10,332. To be considered for financial aid on time, submit the FAFSA by the July 1 priority deadline.

Prairie State’s out-of-state tuition is $10,332, while in-state tuition is $8,610. Students budgeting for housing should also factor in about $7,516 for room and board. Actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on financial need, grant aid, scholarships, and other expenses.
Student life at Prairie State College
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
American Islamic College
Chicago, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
Augustana College
Rock Island, ILAcceptance rate: 62.8%
SAT: 1040–1260
ACT: 21–29
Aurora University
Aurora, ILAcceptance rate: 80.8%
SAT: 900–1160
ACT: 21–29
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
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