Northern Illinois vs. Principia College

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Principia College is in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Principia College 6:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Principia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Principia College? 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 Principia College ($14,243 vs. $18,248).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Principia College are 1.8% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($13,910 vs. $14,160).
• Principia College is 161.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $21,432 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 161.8% higher at Principia College than at Northern Illinois University (about $21,432 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Principia College (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 111.3% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($30,402 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Principia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or Principia College? 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 Principia College and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 90 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Principia College 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Principia College 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Principia College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Principia College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).

Northern Illinois vs. Principia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Principia College? 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).

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.