Northeastern Illinois University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Northeastern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Northeastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern Illinois University 9:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern Illinois University or WKU? 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 Western Kentucky University than Northeastern Illinois University ($12,548 vs. $14,140).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern Illinois University are 17.4% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,390 vs. $12,582).
• Northeastern Illinois University is 6.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $731 more per year; $12,383.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.8% higher at WKU than at Northeastern Illinois University (about $4,274 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $22,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Northeastern Illinois University (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern Illinois University students is 17.9% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($12,876 vs. $10,921).

Northeastern Illinois University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 40 points higher than at Northeastern Illinois University (910).
• Incoming Northeastern Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at WKU (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 810/1010; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern Illinois University 15/21; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern Illinois University - Test-free; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Illinois University Jul 15, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Northeastern Illinois University (3.1).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Northeastern Illinois University (74.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Northeastern Illinois University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Northeastern Illinois University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Northeastern Illinois University's (23%).
• Graduates from Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have a $9,750 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($14,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($149 vs. $250).
• More Northeastern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 47%)

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.