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DePaul University vs Northeastern Illinois University

DePaul University is a private university in Chicago, IL, and Northeastern Illinois University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Northeastern Illinois University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 75% of applicants against 76% at DePaul University. Northeastern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,109 a year against $30,902 at DePaul University. About 69% of students graduate at DePaul University, compared with 18% at Northeastern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, DePaul University alumni earn a median of about $68,751, against $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University.

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
14,090
3,982
Acceptance rate
76%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1330
810–1010
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
15–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,902
$14,109
Full cost / yr
$63,052
$26,960
In-state tuition
$45,999
$12,383
Out-of-state tuition
$45,999
$22,726
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,359
$13,709
$30k - $48k
$25,950
$12,824
$48k - $75k
$28,687
$15,077
$75k - $110k
$31,057
$20,464
Over $110k
$37,092
$25,001
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
18%
Freshman retention
86%
52%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,695
$43,801
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,751
$52,234
Median debt at graduation
$23,168
$14,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
56%
First-generation students
30%
51%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Aug 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is DePaul University or Northeastern Illinois University harder to get into?
Northeastern Illinois University is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 76% at DePaul University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, DePaul University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,109 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,902 at DePaul University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at DePaul University and Northeastern Illinois University?
Before aid, Northeastern Illinois University costs about $26,960 a year and DePaul University about $63,052. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, DePaul University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,709 there, against about $27,359 at DePaul University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, DePaul University or Northeastern Illinois University?
DePaul University is the larger of the two, with about 14,090 undergraduates against 3,982 at Northeastern Illinois University.
Does DePaul University or Northeastern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
DePaul University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 18% at Northeastern Illinois University.
Do graduates of DePaul University or Northeastern Illinois University earn more?
DePaul University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,751 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do DePaul University and Northeastern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
DePaul University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northeastern Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do DePaul University and Northeastern Illinois University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1330 at DePaul University and 810–1010 at Northeastern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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