Northeastern Illinois University vs. Rockford University

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Rockford University is in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Rockford University 10:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Rockford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or Rockford 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 Rockford University ($14,140 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 9% lower than at Rockford University ($10,390 vs. $11,420).
• Rockford University is 205.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $25,397 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.2% higher at Rockford University than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $15,054 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University than at Northeastern Illinois University (98% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 99.4% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($25,671 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Rockford University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockford University (960) is 50 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming Rockford 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; Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Rockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; Rockford University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rockford University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 13.4% at Rockford University.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Rockford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Rockford University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $10,500 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($14,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $109 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($149 vs. $258).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.