Northern Illinois vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Northern Illinois ($13,473 vs. $14,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 12.8% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,341 vs. $14,160).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $86 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at Southern Illinois University than at Northern Illinois University (about $86 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 5.7% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($14,387 vs. $13,610).

Northern Illinois vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

Northern Illinois vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $200 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $1,359 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($232 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 51%)

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.