North Central College vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than North Central College based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

North Central College vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College or Southern 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than North Central College ($13,473 vs. $23,276).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 16% lower than at North Central College ($12,341 vs. $14,688).
• North Central College is 242.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $32,392 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 242.9% higher at North Central College than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $32,392 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central College than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 150.2% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($34,056 vs. $13,610).

North Central College vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College or Southern 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 Southern Illinois University and North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central College (1180) is 150 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming North Central College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central College students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than North Central College (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

North Central College vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College and Southern 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).

• North Central College's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from North Central College earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than North Central College graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central College graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 51%)

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.