Northern Illinois vs. University of Indianapolis

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than University of Indianapolis based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 5,000 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northern Illinois vs. University of Indianapolis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or University of Indianapolis? 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 University of Indianapolis ($14,243 vs. $22,662).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Illinois University are 8.9% lower than at University of Indianapolis ($14,160 vs. $15,542).
• University of Indianapolis is 180.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $23,952 more per year; $37,200.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 180.8% higher at University of Indianapolis than at Northern Illinois University (about $23,952 more per year; $37,200.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Indianapolis than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Indianapolis students is 107.3% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($29,818 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. University of Indianapolis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or University of Indianapolis? 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 University of Indianapolis and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Indianapolis (1070) is 10 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Indianapolis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; University of Indianapolis 960/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; University of Indianapolis 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; University of Indianapolis - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Indianapolis students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than University of Indianapolis (66.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 10.6% at University of Indianapolis.

Northern Illinois vs. University of Indianapolis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and University of Indianapolis? 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 University of Indianapolis's (52%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than University of Indianapolis graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $3,141 lower median loan debt than University of Indianapolis graduates ($23,859 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Indianapolis graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Indianapolis 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.