Arkansas State University vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR with Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than Northern Illinois based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 15,414 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

Arkansas State University vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas State University or Northern Illinois? 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 Arkansas State University than Northern Illinois ($12,410 vs. $14,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas State University are 18.4% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,550 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 63.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $5,158 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.6% higher at Arkansas State University than at Northern Illinois University (about $1,274 more per year; $14,522.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Arkansas State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 7.4% larger than aid received by Arkansas State University students ($14,387 vs. $13,395).

Arkansas State University vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas State University or Northern Illinois? 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 Northern Illinois and Arkansas State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arkansas State University (1080) is 20 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 Arkansas State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas State University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Arkansas State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

Arkansas State University vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas State University and Northern Illinois? 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 Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $4,359 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($19,500 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($201 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University 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.