East-West University vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare East West University in Chicago, 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 East-West University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 468 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East West University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• East West University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East West University 20:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

East-West University vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, East-West 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 East-West University ($14,243 vs. $21,872).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East West University are 36.4% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($9,000 vs. $14,160).
• East West University is 91.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $12,147 more per year; $25,395.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.7% higher at East-West University than at Northern Illinois University (about $12,147 more per year; $25,395.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at East West University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 22.2% larger than aid received by East West University students ($14,387 vs. $11,772).

East-West University vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, East-West 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 East-West University.

• East West University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: East-West University - Open admission; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at East-West University (2.67).

East-West University vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for East-West 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 East West University's (8%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $20,300 more per year than East-West University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $27,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $473 lower median loan debt than East-West University graduates ($23,859 vs. $24,332).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than East-West University graduates ($246 vs. $251).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former East-West University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 17%)

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.