Northern Illinois vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista University ($14,243 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 20% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,330 vs. $14,160).
• Buena Vista University is 215.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $28,550 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 215.5% higher at Buena Vista University than at Northern Illinois University (about $28,550 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 139.1% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($34,397 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Buena Vista University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

Northern Illinois vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $163 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($23,859 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($246 vs. $248).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 59%)

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.