Judson University vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare Judson University in Elgin, 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 Judson University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 960 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Judson University is located in Elgin, IL (Midsize City setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• Judson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Judson University 10:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

Judson University vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Judson 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 Judson University ($14,243 vs. $18,673).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Judson University are 13% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,320 vs. $14,160).
• Judson University is 136.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $18,112 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 136.7% higher at Judson University than at Northern Illinois University (about $18,112 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Judson University as at Northern Illinois University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Judson University students is 67% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($24,024 vs. $14,387).

Judson University vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 90 points higher than at Judson University (970).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Judson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 816/1118; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 16/24; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Judson University - Test optional; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Judson University (3.16).
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than Judson University (47.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39.2% at Judson University vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

Judson University vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Judson 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 Judson University's (49%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Judson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Judson University graduates have a $859 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($23,000 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Judson University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($237 vs. $246).
• More Judson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.