North Central College vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Central College is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (3,003 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

North Central College vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College or SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University than North Central College ($21,067 vs. $23,276).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 22.1% lower than at North Central College ($11,440 vs. $14,688).
• North Central College is 34.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $11,712 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.4% higher at North Central College than at Spring Arbor University (about $11,712 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at North Central College as at Spring Arbor University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 42.6% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($34,056 vs. $23,877).

North Central College vs. SAU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College or SAU? 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 SAU and North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central College (1180) is 50 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at North Central College (3.6).
• North Central College has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 16.5% at SAU.

North Central College vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College and SAU? 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).

• North Central College's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from North Central College earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $957 lower median loan debt than North Central College graduates ($24,043 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central College graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 58%)

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.