Northern Illinois vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than CMU based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 14,488 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

Northern Illinois vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or CMU? 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 CMU ($14,243 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 11.3% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,564 vs. $14,160).
• Central Michigan University is 11.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $1,512 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.4% higher at CMU than at Northern Illinois University (about $1,512 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Central Michigan University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 10.3% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($14,387 vs. $13,042).

Northern Illinois vs. CMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or CMU? 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 CMU and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming CMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; CMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 11.3% at CMU.

Northern Illinois vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and CMU? 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 Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 54%)

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.