Northwestern vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern University is larger than Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

Northwestern vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Northwestern ($13,473 vs. $26,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 41.6% lower than at Northwestern University ($12,341 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 412.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $54,988 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 412.4% higher at Northwestern than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $54,988 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Northwestern University (95% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 373.4% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($64,429 vs. $13,610).

Northwestern vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University and Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 510 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 13 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.68 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

Northwestern vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern and Southern Illinois 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).

• Northwestern University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $42,000 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $3,122 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($19,378 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($200 vs. $232).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.