WestConn vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT 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 WestConn based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 4,169 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

WestConn vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn 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 WestConn ($14,243 vs. $17,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Illinois University are 9.6% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($14,160 vs. $15,659).
• Western Connecticut State University is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $153 more per year; $13,401.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.6% higher at WestConn than at Northern Illinois University (about $3,653 more per year; $16,901.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Western Connecticut State University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 11.8% larger than aid received by Western Connecticut State University students ($14,387 vs. $12,870).

WestConn vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WestConn 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 WestConn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 50 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WestConn students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

WestConn vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn 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 Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $200 more per year than WestConn graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $1,141 lower median loan debt than WestConn graduates ($23,859 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WestConn graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.