Northeastern Illinois University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Tennessee State University is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 5,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University ($14,140 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 6.8% lower than at Tennessee State University ($10,390 vs. $11,150).
• Northeastern Illinois University is 43.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $3,767 more per year; $12,383.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Tennessee State University (about $310 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $22,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern Illinois University than at Tennessee State University (87% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students is 33.3% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($12,876 vs. $9,661).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 60 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming Northeastern Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Tennessee State University (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Northeastern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (74.6%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($14,500 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $140 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($149 vs. $289).
• More Northeastern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 29%)

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.