Northern Illinois vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Central College 11:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Central 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 Central College ($14,243 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 14.8% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,060 vs. $14,160).
• Central College is 58.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $7,740 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.4% higher at Central College than at Northern Illinois University (about $7,740 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 3.3% larger than aid received by Central College students ($14,387 vs. $13,925).

Northern Illinois vs. Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 30 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Central College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Central College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 21% at Central College.

Northern Illinois vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Central 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).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $400 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.