Northern Illinois vs. IWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Indiana Wesleyan University Marion in Marion, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 2,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is in Marion, IN (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 12:1.

Northern Illinois vs. IWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or IWU? 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 Northern Illinois University than IWU ($14,243 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 23.2% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($10,868 vs. $14,160).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is 144.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $19,104 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.2% higher at IWU than at Northern Illinois University (about $19,104 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students is 48.8% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($21,405 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. IWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or IWU? 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 IWU and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (1070) is 10 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming IWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; IWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (88.9%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 17% at IWU.

Northern Illinois vs. IWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and IWU? 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).

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $245 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($23,859 vs. $24,104).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($246 vs. $249).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IWU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 55%)

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.