Northern Illinois vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Saginaw Valley State University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 6,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than Northern Illinois ($11,546 vs. $14,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saginaw Valley State University are 12.9% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,340 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $318 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 129.8% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at Northern Illinois University (about $17,202 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University as at Saginaw Valley State University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 6.5% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($14,387 vs. $13,512).

Northern Illinois vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 10 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Saginaw Valley State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Saginaw Valley State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.1%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

Northern Illinois vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 48%)

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.