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 table 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.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University ($14,140 vs. $14,208).
• 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).
• Western Illinois University is 23.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $2,881 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.9% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Western Illinois University (about $7,462 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• 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).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 80 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming Western Illinois University 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; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Northeastern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (74.6%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Western Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• 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 https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.