Northern Illinois vs. Kuyper College

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Kuyper College based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 161 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northern Illinois vs. Kuyper College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Kuyper 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 Kuyper College ($14,243 vs. $17,669).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kuyper College are 23.2% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($10,870 vs. $14,160).
• Kuyper College is 108.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $14,412 more per year; $27,660.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 108.8% higher at Kuyper College than at Northern Illinois University (about $14,412 more per year; $27,660.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kuyper College than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kuyper College students is 37.6% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($19,794 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Kuyper College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 10 points higher than at Kuyper College (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Kuyper College 935/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Kuyper College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kuyper College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than Kuyper College (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 36.6% at Kuyper College.

Northern Illinois vs. Kuyper College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Kuyper 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).

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Kuyper College's (48%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $17,400 more per year than Kuyper College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $30,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kuyper College graduates have a $109 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($23,750 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Kuyper College graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($245 vs. $246).
• More Kuyper College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.