Elmhurst University vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Elmhurst University vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University ($14,243 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Illinois University are 2.5% lower than at Elmhurst University ($14,160 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 224.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $29,707 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 224.2% higher at Elmhurst University than at Northern Illinois University (about $29,707 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 109.1% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($30,079 vs. $14,387).

Elmhurst University vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 70 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Elmhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (73.6%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

Elmhurst University vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst 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).

• Elmhurst University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $2,359 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($222 vs. $246).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 61%)

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.