North Park University vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare North Park University in Chicago, 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 Park University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 2,557 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

North Park University vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Park 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 North Park University ($14,243 vs. $20,372).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Park University are 21.7% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,090 vs. $14,160).
• North Park University is 177.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $23,462 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 177.1% higher at North Park University than at Northern Illinois University (about $23,462 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Park University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Park University students is 70.1% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($24,476 vs. $14,387).

North Park University vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Park 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 North Park University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 30 points higher than at North Park University (1030).
• Incoming North Park 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: North Park University 890/1162; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Park University 20/26; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Park University - Test-free; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at North Park University (3.14).
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than North Park University (68.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at North Park University vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

North Park University vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Park 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 North Park University's (52%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than North Park University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $2,391 lower median loan debt than North Park University graduates ($23,859 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Park University graduates ($246 vs. $271).
• More North Park University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.