North Central College vs. MSOE

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Central College is larger than MSOE based on total student enrollment (3,003 students vs. 2,953 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Milwaukee School of Engineering is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Milwaukee School of Engineering 12:1.

North Central College vs. MSOE Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College or MSOE? 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 Central College than MSOE ($23,276 vs. $25,669).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milwaukee School of Engineering are 4.8% lower than at North Central College ($13,984 vs. $14,688).
• Milwaukee School of Engineering is 10.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Central College (about $4,754 more per year; $50,480.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.4% higher at MSOE than at North Central College (about $4,754 more per year; $50,480.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at North Central College as at Milwaukee School of Engineering (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Milwaukee School of Engineering students is 8.6% larger than aid received by North Central College students ($36,997 vs. $34,056).

North Central College vs. MSOE Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College or MSOE? 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 MSOE and North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Milwaukee School of Engineering (1280) is 100 points higher than at North Central College (1180).
• Incoming MSOE students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at North Central College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Milwaukee School of Engineering 1160/1405.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Milwaukee School of Engineering 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; MSOE - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027; MSOE Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman MSOE students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at North Central College (3.6).
• North Central College has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than MSOE (58.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 17.2% at MSOE.

North Central College vs. MSOE Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College and MSOE? 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).

• North Central College's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Milwaukee School of Engineering's (57%).
• Graduates from Milwaukee School of Engineering earn a median of about $20,000 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,900 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than MSOE graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSOE graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More MSOE graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Central College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 74%)

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.