Northern Illinois vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Salem 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 Northern Illinois University than Salem State University ($14,243 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Illinois University are 15.9% lower than at Salem State University ($14,160 vs. $16,838).
• Northern Illinois University is 7.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $910 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.4% higher at Salem State University than at Northern Illinois University (about $6,283 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University as at Salem State University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 39.4% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($14,387 vs. $10,319).

Northern Illinois vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Northern Illinois vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Salem 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 Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $141 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($23,859 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($246 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.