University of Central Arkansas vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR with Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than University of Central Arkansas based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 10,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Northern Illinois? 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 Central Arkansas ($14,243 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 35.7% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($9,110 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 25.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $2,725 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36% higher at University of Central Arkansas than at Northern Illinois University (about $4,775 more per year; $18,023.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at University of Central Arkansas (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 61.6% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($14,387 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Illinois University (1060) is 20 points higher than at University of Central Arkansas (1040).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Northern Illinois (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and Northern Illinois? 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 Central Arkansas's (40%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than University of Central Arkansas graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $2,444 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($21,415 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($221 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Central Arkansas students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 57%)

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.