ISU vs. North Park University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with North Park University in Chicago, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than North Park University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 2,557 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); North Park University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; North Park University 12:1.

ISU vs. North Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or North Park 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 North Park University than ISU ($20,372 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Park University are 5.6% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,090 vs. $11,754).
• North Park University is 127.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $20,566 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.1% higher at North Park University than at Illinois State University (about $8,500 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Park University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 88.7% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($24,476 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. North Park University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or North Park 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 North Park University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 70 points higher than at North Park University (1030).
• Incoming ISU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at North Park University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; North Park University 890/1162.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; North Park University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; North Park University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at North Park University (3.14).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than North Park University (68.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 14.3% at North Park University.

ISU vs. North Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and North Park 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than North Park University's (52%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than North Park University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than North Park University graduates ($22,000 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Park University graduates ($227 vs. $271).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Park University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 68%)

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.