Northern Illinois vs. University of St Francis

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than University of St Francis based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 3,074 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northern Illinois vs. University of St Francis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or University of St Francis? 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 University of St Francis than Northern Illinois ($14,045 vs. $14,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of St Francis are 15.4% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,980 vs. $14,160).
• University of St Francis is 187.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $24,862 more per year; $38,110.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 187.7% higher at University of St Francis than at Northern Illinois University (about $24,862 more per year; $38,110.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of St Francis than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Francis students is 122.4% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($31,998 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. University of St Francis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of St Francis (1130) is 70 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming University of St Francis students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; University of St Francis 1030/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; University of St Francis 20/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; University of St Francis - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; University of St Francis Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of St Francis students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than University of St Francis (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 14.2% at University of St Francis.

Northern Illinois vs. University of St Francis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and University of St Francis? 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).

• University of St Francis's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from University of St Francis earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $1,141 lower median loan debt than University of St Francis graduates ($23,859 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St Francis graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More University of St Francis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.