Lewis University vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare Lewis University in Romeoville, 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 Lewis University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 7,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lewis University is located in Romeoville, IL (Large Suburban setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• Lewis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lewis University 13:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

Lewis University vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lewis 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 Lewis University ($14,243 vs. $18,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lewis University are 14.3% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,140 vs. $14,160).
• Lewis University is 195.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $25,952 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 195.9% higher at Lewis University than at Northern Illinois University (about $25,952 more per year; $39,200.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 99.6% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($28,717 vs. $14,387).

Lewis University vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lewis University (1090) is 30 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Lewis University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis University 960/1210; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis University 20/27; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lewis University - Test optional; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lewis University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Lewis University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Lewis University vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

Lewis University vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lewis 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).

• Lewis University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Lewis University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,500 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $766 lower median loan debt than Lewis University graduates ($23,859 vs. $24,625).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lewis University graduates ($246 vs. $254).
• More Lewis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.