Northeastern Illinois University vs. Mount Mercy College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL with Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than Mount Mercy College based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Mount Mercy University is in Cedar Rapids, IA (Midsize City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mount Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Mount Mercy University 14:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Mount Mercy College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or Mount Mercy 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 Mount Mercy College ($14,140 vs. $24,347).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 10.4% lower than at Mount Mercy University ($10,390 vs. $11,600).
• Mount Mercy University is 230.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $28,495 more per year; $40,878.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.9% higher at Mount Mercy College than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $18,152 more per year; $40,878.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mount Mercy University than at Northeastern Illinois University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mount Mercy University students is 138.7% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($30,735 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Mount Mercy College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern Illinois University or Mount Mercy 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 Mount Mercy College 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; Mount Mercy College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027; Mount Mercy College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mount Mercy College students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Mount Mercy College has a higher acceptance rate (82.5%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 27.9% at Mount Mercy College.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Mount Mercy College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois University and Mount Mercy 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).

• Mount Mercy University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Mount Mercy University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,900 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than Mount Mercy College graduates ($14,500 vs. $22,250).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mount Mercy College graduates ($149 vs. $230).
• More Mount Mercy College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.