Northern Illinois vs. Anderson University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Anderson University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Anderson University is in Anderson, IN (Small City setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Anderson University 10:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Anderson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Anderson 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 Northern Illinois University than Anderson University ($14,243 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Anderson University are 9.6% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,800 vs. $14,160).
• Anderson University is 181.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $23,992 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 181.1% higher at Anderson University than at Northern Illinois University (about $23,992 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 80.3% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($25,946 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Anderson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or Anderson 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 Anderson University and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Anderson University (1030).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Anderson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Anderson University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Anderson University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Anderson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Anderson University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Anderson University has a higher acceptance rate (79.3%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 8.3% at Anderson University.

Northern Illinois vs. Anderson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Anderson 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).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Anderson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.