Northern Illinois vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than SFASU based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 10,472 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephen F Austin State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

Northern Illinois vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or SFASU? 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 SFASU ($14,243 vs. $14,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephen F Austin State University are 7.2% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($13,144 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 19.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than SFASU (about $2,120 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $11,128.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.8% higher at SFASU than at Northern Illinois University (about $10,178 more per year; $23,426.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Stephen F Austin State University (98% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 34.5% larger than aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students ($14,387 vs. $10,694).

Northern Illinois vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephen F Austin State University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at SFASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Stephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; SFASU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at SFASU (3.26).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

Northern Illinois vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Stephen F Austin State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than SFASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $1,141 lower median loan debt than SFASU graduates ($23,859 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SFASU graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SFASU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 52%)

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.