Northern Illinois vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than Western Illinois University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 6,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Western Illinois University? 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 Illinois University than Northern Illinois ($14,208 vs. $14,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 20.1% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($11,320 vs. $14,160).
• Western Illinois University is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $2,016 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.2% higher at Western Illinois University than at Northern Illinois University (about $2,016 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Western Illinois University (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 4.2% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($14,994 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 70 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Western Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

Northern Illinois vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Western Illinois University? 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 Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $845 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($23,859 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($246 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 61%)

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.