Northern Illinois vs. Adrian College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Adrian College in Adrian, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than Adrian College based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 1,765 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Adrian College is in Adrian, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Adrian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Adrian College 16:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Adrian College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Adrian College? 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 Northern Illinois University than Adrian College ($14,243 vs. $25,922).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Illinois University are 30.1% lower than at Adrian College ($14,160 vs. $20,260).
• Adrian College is 214.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $28,436 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 214.6% higher at Adrian College than at Northern Illinois University (about $28,436 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adrian College than at Northern Illinois University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adrian College students is 108.3% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($29,966 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Adrian College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or Adrian College? 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 Adrian College and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 50 points higher than at Adrian College (1010).
• Incoming Adrian College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Adrian College 873/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Adrian College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Adrian College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; Adrian College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Adrian College (3.2).
• Adrian College has a higher acceptance rate (72.5%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 26.3% at Adrian College.

Northern Illinois vs. Adrian College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Adrian College? 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).

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Adrian College's (49%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Adrian College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $39,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than Adrian College graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adrian College graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Adrian College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 61%)

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.