Northeastern Illinois University vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL with Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Bethel University 12:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or Bethel 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 Northeastern Illinois University than Bethel University ($14,140 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 6.7% lower than at Bethel University ($10,390 vs. $11,140).
• Bethel University is 179.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $22,217 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.2% higher at Bethel University than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $11,874 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Northeastern Illinois University (95% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 94.5% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($25,046 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1030) is 120 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at Northeastern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027; Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois University and Bethel 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of about $600 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $11,565 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($14,500 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $120 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($149 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.