Northeastern Illinois University vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 5,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University ($14,140 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 34.5% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($10,390 vs. $15,864).
• Northeastern Illinois University is 25.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $2,543 more per year; $12,383.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 131% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Metropolitan State University (about $12,886 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern Illinois University than at Metropolitan State University (87% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students is 50.8% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($12,876 vs. $8,538).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern Illinois University or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University 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; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027; Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois University and Metropolitan State 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).

• Metropolitan State University's six-year graduation rate (29%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $3,492 lower median loan debt than Metropolitan State University graduates ($14,500 vs. $17,992).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Metropolitan State University graduates ($149 vs. $186).
• More Metropolitan State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.