Northeastern Illinois University vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL with Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Illinois University is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 5,734 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 8.2% lower than at Western Illinois University ($10,390 vs. $11,320).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.9% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Western Illinois University (about $7,462 more per year; $22,726 vs. $15,264).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern Illinois University than at Western Illinois University (87% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 16.4% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($14,994 vs. $12,876).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 3 points higher at Western Illinois University than at Northeastern Illinois University (21 vs. 18, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at both Northeastern Illinois University and Western Illinois University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Western Illinois University average a 3.45 high school GPA, 0.35 higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $10,204 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($14,500 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($149 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation (61% vs. 56%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.