Northern Illinois vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Northern Illinois based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 15,414 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Northern Illinois vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or GVSU? 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 GVSU ($14,243 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 18.4% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,550 vs. $14,160).
• Grand Valley State University is 14.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $1,892 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.7% higher at GVSU than at Northern Illinois University (about $8,300 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Grand Valley State University (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 28.6% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($14,387 vs. $11,188).

Northern Illinois vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Northern Illinois vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and GVSU? 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).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $1,141 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($23,859 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.