Northern Illinois vs. Oakland City University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Oakland City University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 640 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Oakland City University is in Oakland City, IN (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Oakland City University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Oakland City University 13:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Oakland City University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Oakland City 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 Oakland City University ($14,243 vs. $16,437).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakland City University are 18.1% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,600 vs. $14,160).
• Oakland City University is 110.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $14,652 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.6% higher at Oakland City University than at Northern Illinois University (about $14,652 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oakland City University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oakland City University students is 81.2% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($26,067 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Oakland City University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 60 points higher than at Oakland City University (1000).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Oakland City University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Oakland City University 850/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Oakland City University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Oakland City University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; Oakland City University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Oakland City University (3.29).
• Oakland City University has a higher acceptance rate (82.5%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 32.5% at Oakland City University.

Northern Illinois vs. Oakland City University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Oakland City 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.

• Oakland City University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than Oakland City University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $36,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have a $3,659 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($20,200 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($208 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oakland City University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 58%)

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.