Northeastern Illinois University vs. KWC

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than KWC based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 887 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Kentucky Wesleyan College is in Owensboro, KY (Small City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Kentucky Wesleyan College 15:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. KWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or KWC? 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 KWC ($14,140 vs. $20,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 12.4% lower than at Kentucky Wesleyan College ($10,390 vs. $11,855).
• Kentucky Wesleyan College is 180% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $22,290 more per year; $34,673.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.6% higher at KWC than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $11,947 more per year; $34,673.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kentucky Wesleyan College than at Northeastern Illinois University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kentucky Wesleyan College students is 98.3% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($25,538 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. KWC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern Illinois University or KWC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between KWC and Northeastern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Kentucky Wesleyan College (1010) is 100 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming KWC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Northeastern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; Kentucky Wesleyan College 890/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Kentucky Wesleyan College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; KWC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman KWC students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Northeastern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (74.6%) than KWC (71.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 17.7% at KWC.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. KWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois University and KWC? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Kentucky Wesleyan College's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than KWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $8,407 lower median loan debt than KWC graduates ($14,500 vs. $22,907).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $87 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KWC graduates ($149 vs. $236).
• More Northeastern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KWC students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 54%)

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.