Northern Illinois vs. Midway University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Midway University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 2,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northern Illinois vs. Midway University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Midway 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 Midway University ($14,243 vs. $30,679).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Midway University are 30.8% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($9,800 vs. $14,160).
• Midway University is 105.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $13,972 more per year; $27,220.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.5% higher at Midway University than at Northern Illinois University (about $13,972 more per year; $27,220.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Midway University than at Northern Illinois University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Midway University students is 26.9% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($18,259 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Midway University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Midway University (1140) is 80 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Midway University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Midway University 1100/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Midway University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Midway University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Midway University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Midway University has a higher acceptance rate (95.1%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 23% at Midway University.

Northern Illinois vs. Midway University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Midway 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 Midway University's (41%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Midway University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $38,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midway University graduates have a $481 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($23,378 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Midway University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($241 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Midway University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 43%)

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.