Northeastern Illinois University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern Illinois University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (5,734 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Central College 11:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or Central College? 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 Northeastern Illinois University than Central College ($14,140 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 13.8% lower than at Central College ($10,390 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 69.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern Illinois University (about $8,605 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $12,383.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Central College (about $1,738 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Northeastern Illinois University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 8.1% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($13,925 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern Illinois University or Central College? 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 Central College and Northeastern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 180 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming Central College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Northeastern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; Central College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 21% at Central College.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern Illinois University and Central College? 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).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Northeastern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($14,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($149 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 56%)

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.