Northern Illinois vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Capital University 9:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Capital 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 Capital University ($14,243 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Capital University are 8.3% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,984 vs. $14,160).
• Capital University is 226.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $29,986 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 226.3% higher at Capital University than at Northern Illinois University (about $29,986 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Northern Illinois University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 139.6% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($34,471 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 10 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Capital University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Capital University has a higher acceptance rate (70.2%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

Northern Illinois vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Capital 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).

• Capital 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 $300 more per year than Capital University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $47,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Capital 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.