Northern Illinois vs. Westfield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Westfield State University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 4,588 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Westfield State University is in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Westfield State University 17:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Westfield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois or Westfield State 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 Northern Illinois University than Westfield State University ($14,243 vs. $17,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westfield State University are 1% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($14,018 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 8.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Westfield State University (about $1,069 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $12,179.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.8% higher at Westfield State University than at Northern Illinois University (about $5,011 more per year; $18,259.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Westfield State University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 58.9% larger than aid received by Westfield State University students ($14,387 vs. $9,054).

Northern Illinois vs. Westfield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois or Westfield State 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 Westfield State University and Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westfield State University (1090) is 30 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Westfield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Westfield State University 980/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Westfield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Westfield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have the same average high school GPA (3.3) as students at Westfield State University (3.3).
• Westfield State University has a higher acceptance rate (81.4%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 15.2% at Westfield State University.

Northern Illinois vs. Westfield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois and Westfield State 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).

• Westfield State University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Northern Illinois University's (56%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Westfield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have a $1,109 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($22,750 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($235 vs. $246).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.