Northeastern Illinois University vs. UWM

Comparable Facts

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

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (22,450 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 Wisconsin Milwaukee is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 17:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. UWM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or UWM? 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 UWM ($14,140 vs. $16,263).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 11.1% lower than at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee ($10,390 vs. $11,684).
• Northeastern Illinois University is 19.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UWM (about $1,985 more per year; $12,383.00 vs. $10,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (about $328 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $22,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee than at Northeastern Illinois University (91% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students is 102.9% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Milwaukee students ($12,876 vs. $6,347).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. UWM Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming UWM 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 Wisconsin Milwaukee 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; UWM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027; UWM Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UWM students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.16) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• UWM has a higher acceptance rate (90.7%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 23.8% at UWM.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. UWM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois University and UWM? 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 Wisconsin Milwaukee's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $10,458 lower median loan debt than UWM graduates ($14,500 vs. $24,958).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $109 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UWM graduates ($149 vs. $258).
• More UWM 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.