Northern Illinois vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Bethel University 12:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Bethel 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 Bethel University ($14,243 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 21.3% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,140 vs. $14,160).
• Bethel University is 161.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $21,352 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 161.2% higher at Bethel University than at Northern Illinois University (about $21,352 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Bethel University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 74.1% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($25,046 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

Northern Illinois vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Bethel 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).

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $2,206 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($23,859 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($246 vs. $269).
• More Bethel 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.