EIU vs. Northeastern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern Illinois University is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 5,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Northeastern Illinois University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Northeastern Illinois University 9:1.

EIU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 Eastern Illinois University than Northeastern Illinois University ($13,787 vs. $14,140).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 15.4% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($10,390 vs. $12,282).
• Eastern Illinois University is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $1,296 more per year; $13,679.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.1% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Eastern Illinois University (about $6,509 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Illinois University than at Northeastern Illinois University (95% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Illinois University students is 0.7% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($12,960 vs. $12,876).

EIU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Illinois University (990) is 80 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNortheastern Illinois University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Northeastern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (74.6%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University.

EIU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Eastern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $9,150 lower median loan debt than EIU graduates ($14,500 vs. $23,650).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $95 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EIU graduates ($149 vs. $244).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.