Northern Illinois vs. Middle Georgia State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Middle Georgia State University in Macon, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than Middle Georgia State University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 8,363 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Middle Georgia State University is in Macon, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Georgia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Middle Georgia State University 18:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Middle Georgia State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Middle Georgia State 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 Middle Georgia State University than Northern Illinois ($11,883 vs. $14,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Georgia State University are 34% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($9,350 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 163% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Georgia State University (about $8,210 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $5,038.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.7% higher at Middle Georgia State University than at Northern Illinois University (about $3,142 more per year; $16,390.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Middle Georgia State University (98% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 97.8% larger than aid received by Middle Georgia State University students ($14,387 vs. $7,274).

Northern Illinois vs. Middle Georgia State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or Middle Georgia State 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 Middle Georgia State University and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Middle Georgia State University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Middle Georgia State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Middle Georgia State University 950/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Middle Georgia State University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Middle Georgia State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Middle Georgia State University (2.9).
• Middle Georgia State University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 30.4% at Middle Georgia State University.

Northern Illinois vs. Middle Georgia State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Middle Georgia State 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).

• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Middle Georgia State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Georgia State University graduates have a $8,859 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($15,000 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Middle Georgia State University graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($155 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Georgia State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 34%)

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.