Northeastern Illinois University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 5,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or NSU? 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 Norfolk State University than Northeastern Illinois University ($9,124 vs. $14,140).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 10.4% lower than at Norfolk State University ($10,390 vs. $11,591).
• Northeastern Illinois University is 21.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $2,203 more per year; $12,383.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.8% higher at Northeastern Illinois University than at Norfolk State University (about $1,044 more per year; $22,726.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern Illinois University than at Norfolk State University (87% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 16.9% larger than aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students ($15,056 vs. $12,876).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Norfolk State University (930) is 20 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming NSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Northeastern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern Illinois University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Norfolk State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $16,500 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($14,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $171 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($149 vs. $320).
• More Northeastern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 27%)

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.