DePaul vs. Northeastern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare DePaul University in Chicago, IL with Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

DePaul University is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (21,210 students vs. 5,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• DePaul University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Northeastern Illinois University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• DePaul University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: DePaul University 17:1; Northeastern Illinois University 9:1.

DePaul vs. Northeastern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DePaul or Northeastern Illinois University? 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 Northeastern Illinois University than DePaul ($14,140 vs. $34,135).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 45.6% lower than at DePaul University ($10,390 vs. $19,095).
• DePaul University is 271.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $33,616 more per year; $45,999.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.4% higher at DePaul than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $23,273 more per year; $45,999.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DePaul University than at Northeastern Illinois University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DePaul University students is 127.4% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($29,285 vs. $12,876).

DePaul vs. Northeastern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DePaul or Northeastern Illinois University? 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 Northeastern Illinois University and DePaul.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at DePaul University (1240) is 330 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming DePaul students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 18 at Northeastern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: DePaul University 1140/1330; Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: DePaul University 25/31; Northeastern Illinois University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DePaul - Test optional; Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: DePaul Feb 1, 2027; Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DePaul students have a 0.7 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• DePaul has a higher acceptance rate (75.9%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.8% at DePaul vs. 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University.

DePaul vs. Northeastern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DePaul and Northeastern Illinois University? 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).

• DePaul University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from DePaul University earn a median of about $16,900 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $8,832 lower median loan debt than DePaul graduates ($14,500 vs. $23,332).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $92 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DePaul graduates ($149 vs. $241).
• More DePaul graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.