Northern Illinois vs. Lindenwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than Lindenwood University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 6,826 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Lindenwood University is in Saint Charles, MO (Small City setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lindenwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Lindenwood University 14:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Lindenwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University ($14,243 vs. $20,901).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lindenwood University are 17.4% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,700 vs. $14,160).
• Lindenwood University is 63% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $8,352 more per year; $21,600.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63% higher at Lindenwood University than at Northern Illinois University (about $8,352 more per year; $21,600.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lindenwood University than at Northern Illinois University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lindenwood University students is 1.7% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($14,626 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Lindenwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lindenwood University (1130) is 70 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Lindenwood University 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; Lindenwood University 1023/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Lindenwood University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Lindenwood University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lindenwood University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than Lindenwood University (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 14.1% at Lindenwood University.

Northern Illinois vs. Lindenwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University's (45%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Lindenwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $44,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than Lindenwood University graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lindenwood University graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lindenwood University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 58%)

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.