Northern Illinois vs. Rush University Medical Center

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Rush University in Chicago, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than Rush University Medical Center based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 2,769 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Rush University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rush University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Rush University 10:1.

Cost details

• Out-of-state tuition differs between Northern Illinois and Rush University ($13,248 vs. $0).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Rush University (98% vs. 0%).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Northern Illinois, not reported at Rush University Medical Center.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rush University graduates have a $2,087 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($21,772 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Rush University Medical Center graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($225 vs. $246).
• More Rush University Medical Center graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation (78% vs. 61%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.