Northern Illinois vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Murray 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 Murray State University than Northern Illinois ($10,182 vs. $14,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 21.5% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,112 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 33.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $3,348 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.7% higher at Murray State University than at Northern Illinois University (about $6,588 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 1.5% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($14,387 vs. $14,178).

Northern Illinois vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is the same as at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Murray State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Northern Illinois vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Murray 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).

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $2,359 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($222 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 57%)

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.