Northern Illinois vs. Thomas More

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than Thomas More based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 2,350 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Thomas More University is in Crestview Hills, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas More University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Thomas More University 14:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Thomas More Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Thomas More? 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 Thomas More ($14,243 vs. $22,297).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas More University are 30.1% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($9,900 vs. $14,160).
• Thomas More University is 200.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $26,552 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 200.4% higher at Thomas More than at Northern Illinois University (about $26,552 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas More University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas More University students is 89.6% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($27,271 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Thomas More Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas More University (1130) is 70 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Thomas More students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Thomas More University 1030/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Thomas More University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Thomas More - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Thomas More students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.35) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Thomas More has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 12.5% at Thomas More.

Northern Illinois vs. Thomas More Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Thomas More? 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 Thomas More University's (52%).
• Graduates from Thomas More University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,500 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than Thomas More graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Thomas More graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Thomas More 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.