North Central College vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

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

Wayne State University is larger than North Central College based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

North Central College vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College or WSU? 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 Wayne State University than North Central College ($14,416 vs. $23,276).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State University are 3% lower than at North Central College ($14,252 vs. $14,688).
• North Central College is 201% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $30,536 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.7% higher at North Central College than at Wayne State University (about $13,689 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central College than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 162.9% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($34,056 vs. $12,953).

North Central College vs. WSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central College (1180) is 10 points higher than at WSU (1170).
• Incoming North Central College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at WSU (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027; WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central College students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than North Central College (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 22.4% at WSU.

North Central College vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College and WSU? 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $2,742 lower median loan debt than North Central College graduates ($22,258 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central College graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 38%)

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.