Northern Illinois vs. SBTS

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than SBTS based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 4,298 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is in Louisville, Kentucky (Large City setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 16:1.

Northern Illinois vs. SBTS Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or SBTS? 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 SBTS ($14,243 vs. $21,081).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary are 40.2% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($8,466 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 19.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SBTS (about $2,202 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $11,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.9% higher at Northern Illinois than at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (about $2,202 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $11,046.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (98% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 791.9% larger than aid received by The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary students ($14,387 vs. $1,613).

Northern Illinois vs. SBTS Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or SBTS? 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 SBTS and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1120) is 60 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming SBTS students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; SBTS - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; SBTS Jul 15, 2027.
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than SBTS (55.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 55.9% at SBTS.

Northern Illinois vs. SBTS Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and SBTS? 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).

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.