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Illinois Wesleyan University vs Northeastern Illinois University

Illinois Wesleyan University is a private university in Bloomington, IL, and Northeastern Illinois University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Illinois Wesleyan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 39% of applicants against 75% at Northeastern Illinois University. Northeastern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,109 a year against $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan University. About 78% of students graduate at Illinois Wesleyan University, compared with 18% at Northeastern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $70,871, against $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University.

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bloomington, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,582
3,982
Acceptance rate
39%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1340
810–1010
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
15–21
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,199
$14,109
Full cost / yr
$70,700
$26,960
In-state tuition
$57,704
$12,383
Out-of-state tuition
$57,704
$22,726
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,732
$13,709
$30k - $48k
$19,057
$12,824
$48k - $75k
$23,152
$15,077
$75k - $110k
$27,396
$20,464
Over $110k
$37,104
$25,001
Outcomes
Graduation rate
78%
18%
Freshman retention
80%
52%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,082
$43,801
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,871
$52,234
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$14,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
56%
First-generation students
18%
51%
International students
5%
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 Illinois Wesleyan University or Northeastern Illinois University harder to get into?
Illinois Wesleyan University is harder to get into. It admits about 39% of applicants, compared with 75% at Northeastern Illinois 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, Illinois Wesleyan 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 $28,199 at Illinois Wesleyan 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 Illinois Wesleyan University and Northeastern Illinois University?
Before aid, Northeastern Illinois University costs about $26,960 a year and Illinois Wesleyan University about $70,700. 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, Illinois Wesleyan University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,709 there, against about $17,732 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Illinois Wesleyan University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 3,982 undergraduates against 1,582 at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Does Illinois Wesleyan University or Northeastern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
Illinois Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 18% at Northeastern Illinois University.
Do graduates of Illinois Wesleyan University or Northeastern Illinois University earn more?
Illinois Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $70,871 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Illinois Wesleyan University and Northeastern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
Illinois Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Northeastern Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Illinois Wesleyan University and Northeastern Illinois University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1340 at Illinois Wesleyan University and 810–1010 at Northeastern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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