Northern Illinois vs. Rockford University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Rockford University is in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Rockford University 10:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Rockford University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Rockford 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 Rockford University ($14,243 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 19.4% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,420 vs. $14,160).
• Rockford University is 185.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $24,532 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 185.2% higher at Rockford University than at Northern Illinois University (about $24,532 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University as at Rockford University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 78.4% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($25,671 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Rockford University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 100 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Rockford University 850/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Rockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Rockford University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 13.4% at Rockford University.

Northern Illinois vs. Rockford University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Rockford 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Rockford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $1,141 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($23,859 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockford University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 60%)

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.