Rockford University vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, IL with Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nelson University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Nelson University 15:1.

Rockford University vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford University or Nelson 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 Nelson University than Rockford University ($22,359 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 16% lower than at Rockford University ($9,598 vs. $11,420).
• Rockford University is 50.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $12,716 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.7% higher at Rockford University than at Nelson University (about $12,716 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University than at Nelson University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 112.6% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($25,671 vs. $12,075).

Rockford University vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford University or Nelson 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 Nelson University and Rockford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nelson University (990) is 30 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Rockford University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Nelson University (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

Rockford University vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford University and Nelson 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).

• Nelson University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($258 vs. $271).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 50%)

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.