Northeastern Illinois University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 5,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Columbia College 20:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College ($14,140 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 8.1% lower than at Northeastern Illinois University ($9,552 vs. $10,390).
• Columbia College is 108.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $13,443 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.6% higher at Columbia College than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $3,100 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Northeastern Illinois University (91% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 23.3% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($15,882 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; Columbia College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $7,534 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($14,500 vs. $22,034).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($149 vs. $227).
• More Northeastern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 40%)

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.