Northeastern Illinois University vs. University of St Francis

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than University of St Francis based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 3,074 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of St Francis is in Joliet, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of St Francis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; University of St Francis 15:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. University of St Francis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or University of St Francis? 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 University of St Francis than Northeastern Illinois University ($14,045 vs. $14,140).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 13.3% lower than at University of St Francis ($10,390 vs. $11,980).
• University of St Francis is 207.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $25,727 more per year; $38,110.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.7% higher at University of St Francis than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $15,384 more per year; $38,110.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of St Francis than at Northeastern Illinois University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Francis students is 148.5% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($31,998 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. University of St Francis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern Illinois University or University of St Francis? 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 University of St Francis and Northeastern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of St Francis (1130) is 220 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming University of St Francis students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 18 at Northeastern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; University of St Francis 1030/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; University of St Francis 20/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; University of St Francis - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027; University of St Francis Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of St Francis students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Northeastern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (74.6%) than University of St Francis (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 14.2% at University of St Francis.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. University of St Francis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois University and University of St Francis? 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 St Francis's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from University of St Francis earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 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 University of St Francis graduates ($14,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $109 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St Francis graduates ($149 vs. $258).
• More University of St Francis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.