Northern Illinois vs. North Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with North Central University in Minneapolis, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than North Central University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); North Central University is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Central University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; North Central University 14:1.

Northern Illinois vs. North Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or North Central 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 North Central University ($14,243 vs. $26,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central University are 29% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($10,054 vs. $14,160).
• North Central University is 143.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $18,972 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 143.2% higher at North Central University than at Northern Illinois University (about $18,972 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University as at North Central University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central University students is 25.9% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($18,112 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. North Central University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 10 points higher than at North Central University (1050).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at North Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; North Central University 950/1148.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; North Central University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; North Central University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; North Central University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• North Central University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 29.6% at North Central University.

Northern Illinois vs. North Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and North Central 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 North Central University's (40%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than North Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $1,141 lower median loan debt than North Central University graduates ($23,859 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central University graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More North Central University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.