North Central College vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, 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 North Central College based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

North Central College vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College 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 North Central College ($14,243 vs. $23,276).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Illinois University are 3.6% lower than at North Central College ($14,160 vs. $14,688).
• North Central College is 245.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $32,478 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 245.2% higher at North Central College than at Northern Illinois University (about $32,478 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central College than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 136.7% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($34,056 vs. $14,387).

North Central College vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College 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 North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central College (1180) is 120 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming North Central College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027; Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central College students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• North Central College has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

North Central College vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College 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).

• North Central College's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from North Central College earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $1,141 lower median loan debt than North Central College graduates ($23,859 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central College graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.