Northern Illinois vs. Ashland College

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Ashland College based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 4,106 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Ashland University is in Ashland, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ashland University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Ashland University 14:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Ashland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Ashland 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 Ashland College ($14,243 vs. $22,610).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ashland University are 4.2% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($13,568 vs. $14,160).
• Ashland University is 135.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $17,962 more per year; $31,210.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.6% higher at Ashland College than at Northern Illinois University (about $17,962 more per year; $31,210.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ashland University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ashland University students is 44.8% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($20,835 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Ashland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ashland University (1120) is 60 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Ashland College (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Ashland University 1035/1208.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Ashland University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Ashland College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ashland College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Ashland College has a higher acceptance rate (76.4%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 15.9% at Ashland College.

Northern Illinois vs. Ashland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Ashland 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).

• Ashland University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Ashland College 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 $2,391 lower median loan debt than Ashland College graduates ($23,859 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ashland College graduates ($246 vs. $271).
• More Ashland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.