Northern Illinois vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Northwood University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 2,409 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Northwood 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 Northwood University ($14,243 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwood University are 7.5% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($13,100 vs. $14,160).
• Northwood University is 159.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $21,152 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 159.7% higher at Northwood University than at Northern Illinois University (about $21,152 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University as at Northwood University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 62.3% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($23,349 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or Northwood University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Northwood University and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is the same as at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Northwood University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Northern Illinois vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Northwood University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $2,084 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($21,775 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($225 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 54%)

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.