Northern Illinois vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than University of Akron based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 13,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

Northern Illinois vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron ($14,243 vs. $14,693).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 15.9% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,904 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $113 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.1% higher at University of Akron than at Northern Illinois University (about $7,567 more per year; $20,815.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at University of Akron Main Campus (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 24.6% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($14,387 vs. $11,551).

Northern Illinois vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron and Northern Illinois.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 10 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Akron).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Akron students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Northern Illinois has a higher acceptance rate (69.8%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

Northern Illinois vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $1,641 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($23,859 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($246 vs. $263).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 45%)

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.