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Knox College vs Northern Illinois University

Knox College is a private college in Galesburg, IL, and Northern Illinois University is a public university in Dekalb, IL. Northern Illinois University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 70% of applicants against 71% at Knox College. Northern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,391 a year against $24,595 at Knox College. About 68% of students graduate at Knox College, compared with 49% at Northern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Northern Illinois University alumni earn a median of about $57,808, against $54,820 for Knox College.

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Galesburg, IL
Dekalb, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,127
11,301
Acceptance rate
71%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1440
940–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
21–32
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,595
$13,391
Full cost / yr
$68,134
$28,851
In-state tuition
$57,903
$13,248
Out-of-state tuition
$57,903
$13,248
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,134
$10,126
$30k - $48k
$17,363
$9,854
$48k - $75k
$23,844
$12,797
$75k - $110k
$25,402
$17,612
Over $110k
$31,983
$21,834
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
49%
Freshman retention
83%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,757
$46,113
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,820
$57,808
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,162
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
47%
First-generation students
28%
38%
International students
27%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Apr 1
Rolling

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 Knox College or Northern Illinois University harder to get into?
Northern Illinois University is harder to get into. It admits about 70% of applicants, compared with 71% at Knox College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Knox College or Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,391 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,595 at Knox College. 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 Knox College and Northern Illinois University?
Before aid, Northern Illinois University costs about $28,851 a year and Knox College about $68,134. 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, Knox College or Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,126 there, against about $17,134 at Knox College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Knox College or Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 11,301 undergraduates against 1,127 at Knox College.
Does Knox College or Northern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
Knox College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 49% at Northern Illinois University.
Do graduates of Knox College or Northern Illinois University earn more?
Northern Illinois University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,808 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,820 for Knox College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Knox College and Northern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
Knox College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northern Illinois University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Knox College and Northern Illinois University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1440 at Knox College and 940–1170 at Northern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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