CSU vs. Northeastern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Northeastern Illinois University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Northeastern Illinois University 9:1.

CSU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Northeastern 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 Chicago State University than Northeastern Illinois University ($10,441 vs. $14,140).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 10% lower than at Chicago State University ($10,390 vs. $11,550).
• Chicago State University is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $371 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.2% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Chicago State University (about $9,972 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at Northeastern Illinois University (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 41.3% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($18,194 vs. $12,876).

CSU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Northeastern 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 Northeastern Illinois University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern Illinois University (910) is 50 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming Northeastern Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Northeastern Illinois University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Northeastern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (74.6%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University.

CSU vs. Northeastern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Northeastern 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).

• Northeastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (23%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $16,750 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($14,500 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $174 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($149 vs. $323).
• More Northeastern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 25%)

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.