Northeastern Illinois University vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 5,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Northeastern Illinois University ($13,473 vs. $14,140).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 15.8% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($10,390 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 7.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $951 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.4% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $9,392 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Northeastern Illinois University (95% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 5.7% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($13,610 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 120 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Northeastern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern Illinois University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($14,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($149 vs. $232).
• More Northeastern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 51%)

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.