Northern Illinois vs. Heidelberg University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Heidelberg University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 1,091 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Heidelberg University is in Tiffin, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Heidelberg University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Heidelberg University 14:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Heidelberg University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg University ($14,243 vs. $19,447).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Heidelberg University are 13.1% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,300 vs. $14,160).
• Heidelberg University is 154% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $20,402 more per year; $33,650.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 154% higher at Heidelberg University than at Northern Illinois University (about $20,402 more per year; $33,650.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Heidelberg University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Heidelberg University students is 90.2% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($27,363 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Heidelberg University Admissions comparison

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

• Heidelberg University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Heidelberg University (1100) is 40 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Heidelberg University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Heidelberg University 1030/1162.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Heidelberg University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Heidelberg University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Heidelberg University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Heidelberg University has a higher acceptance rate (85.8%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 18.2% at Heidelberg University.

Northern Illinois vs. Heidelberg University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg University's (55%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Heidelberg University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $40,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $4,141 lower median loan debt than Heidelberg University graduates ($23,859 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Heidelberg University graduates ($246 vs. $289).
• More Heidelberg 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.