Northeastern Illinois University vs. UCO-Central

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL with University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Oklahoma is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (12,554 students vs. 5,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of Central Oklahoma is in Edmond, OK (Large Suburban setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Central Oklahoma is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; University of Central Oklahoma 18:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. UCO-Central Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or UCO-Central? 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 UCO-Central ($14,140 vs. $18,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Oklahoma are 6.6% lower than at Northeastern Illinois University ($9,700 vs. $10,390).
• Northeastern Illinois University is 40.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCO-Central (about $3,565 more per year; $12,383.00 vs. $8,818.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.3% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at University of Central Oklahoma (about $3,022 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $19,704.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern Illinois University than at University of Central Oklahoma (87% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students is 80% larger than aid received by University of Central Oklahoma students ($12,876 vs. $7,152).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. UCO-Central Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern Illinois University or UCO-Central? 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 UCO-Central and Northeastern Illinois University.

• Incoming UCO-Central 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.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; University of Central Oklahoma 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; UCO-Central - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCO-Central students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• UCO-Central has a higher acceptance rate (78.1%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 42.9% at UCO-Central.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. UCO-Central Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois University and UCO-Central? 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).

• University of Central Oklahoma's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from University of Central Oklahoma 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 $5,893 lower median loan debt than UCO-Central graduates ($14,500 vs. $20,393).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UCO-Central graduates ($149 vs. $210).
• More Northeastern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UCO-Central students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 54%)

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.