Northern Illinois vs. St. Ambrose University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than St. Ambrose University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 2,498 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Saint Ambrose University is in Davenport, IA (Small City setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Saint Ambrose University 11:1.

Northern Illinois vs. St. Ambrose University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University ($14,243 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Ambrose University are 5.5% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($13,378 vs. $14,160).
• Saint Ambrose University is 176.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $23,410 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 176.7% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Northern Illinois University (about $23,410 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 79.9% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($25,877 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. St. Ambrose University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 10 points higher than at St. Ambrose University (1050).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at St. Ambrose University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Saint Ambrose University 930/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Saint Ambrose University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; St. Ambrose University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St. Ambrose University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• St. Ambrose University has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 16.7% at St. Ambrose University .

Northern Illinois vs. St. Ambrose University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and St. Ambrose 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $1,905 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($23,859 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($246 vs. $266).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 61%)

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.