Benedictine University vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedictine University in Lisle, IL with Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than Benedictine University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 2,917 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedictine University is located in Lisle, IL (Large Suburban setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• Benedictine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedictine University 15:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

Benedictine University vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedictine University or Northern Illinois? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northern Illinois University than Benedictine University ($14,243 vs. $23,139).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedictine University are 23.4% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($10,850 vs. $14,160).
• Benedictine University is 171.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $22,692 more per year; $35,940.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 171.3% higher at Benedictine University than at Northern Illinois University (about $22,692 more per year; $35,940.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedictine University than at Northern Illinois University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedictine University students is 59.2% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($22,911 vs. $14,387).

Benedictine University vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedictine University or Northern Illinois? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Northern Illinois and Benedictine University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Benedictine University (1170) is 110 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Benedictine University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedictine University 1050/1280; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedictine University 19/28; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedictine University - Test optional; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Benedictine University (3.26).
• Benedictine University has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Benedictine University vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

Benedictine University vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedictine University and Northern Illinois? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Benedictine University's (49%).
• Graduates from Benedictine University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have a $1,559 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($22,300 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($230 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedictine University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.