Northeastern Illinois University vs. AQ

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL with Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Aquinas College is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Aquinas College 10:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. AQ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or AQ? 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 Northeastern Illinois University than AQ ($14,140 vs. $18,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 11% lower than at Aquinas College ($10,390 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 224.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $27,835 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77% higher at AQ than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $17,492 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Northeastern Illinois University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 160.4% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($33,535 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. AQ Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aquinas College (1030) is 120 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming AQ students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Northeastern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; Aquinas College 910/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Aquinas College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; AQ - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 11.8% at AQ.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. AQ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Aquinas College's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates of Northeastern Illinois University and AQ have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $40,000), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $11,500 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($14,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $119 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($149 vs. $268).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.