ISU vs. Northeastern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 5,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Northeastern Illinois University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Northeastern Illinois University 9:1.

ISU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 ISU ($14,140 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 11.6% lower than at Illinois State University ($10,390 vs. $11,754).
• Illinois State University is 30.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $3,761 more per year; $16,144.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.1% higher at ISU than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $5,484 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at Northeastern Illinois University (96% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois State University students is 0.8% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($12,974 vs. $12,876).

ISU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 190 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming ISU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 18 at Northeastern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Northeastern Illinois University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University.

ISU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($14,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($149 vs. $227).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.