Northern Illinois vs. William Penn University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than William Penn University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 1,425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); William Penn University is in Oskaloosa, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. William Penn University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; William Penn University 15:1.

Northern Illinois vs. William Penn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or William Penn 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 Northern Illinois University than William Penn University ($14,243 vs. $22,740).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Penn University are 41.9% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($8,222 vs. $14,160).
• William Penn University is 124.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $16,502 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 124.6% higher at William Penn University than at Northern Illinois University (about $16,502 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Penn University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by William Penn University students is 40.4% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($20,194 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. William Penn University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 60 points higher than at William Penn University (1000).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at William Penn University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; William Penn University 880/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; William Penn University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; William Penn University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at William Penn University (3.0).
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than William Penn University (51.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 41.9% at William Penn University.

Northern Illinois vs. William Penn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and William Penn 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 William Penn University's (30%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than William Penn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $141 lower median loan debt than William Penn University graduates ($23,859 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than William Penn University graduates ($246 vs. $248).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Penn University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 49%)

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.