Northeastern Illinois University vs. Allen College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL with Allen College in Waterloo, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Allen College is in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Allen College 8:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Allen College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or Allen College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 15.3% lower than at Northeastern Illinois University ($8,800 vs. $10,390).
• Allen College is 57.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $7,133 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.4% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Allen College (about $3,210 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern Illinois University than at Allen College (87% vs. 0%).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Allen College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern Illinois University or Allen College? 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 Allen College and Northeastern Illinois University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; Allen College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027; Allen College Feb 1, 2027.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Allen College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois University and Allen College? 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).

• Allen College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Allen College graduates ($14,500 vs. $16,750).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Allen College graduates ($149 vs. $173).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 56%)

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.