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Lewis University vs Northern Illinois University

Lewis University is a private university in Romeoville, IL. Northern Illinois University is a public university in Dekalb, IL. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants and Lewis University about 71%, making Northern Illinois University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,391 a year at Northern Illinois University after aid, and about $17,028 at Lewis University. About 65% of students graduate at Lewis University, compared with 49% at Northern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Lewis University alumni earn a median of about $66,099, against $57,808 for Northern Illinois University.

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL · Private

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Romeoville, IL
Dekalb, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,015
11,301
Acceptance rate
71%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1210
940–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,028
$13,391
Full cost / yr
$47,313
$28,851
In-state tuition
$39,200
$13,248
Out-of-state tuition
$39,200
$13,248
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,382
$10,126
$30k - $48k
$11,712
$9,854
$48k - $75k
$12,178
$12,797
$75k - $110k
$19,908
$17,612
Over $110k
$25,035
$21,834
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
49%
Freshman retention
79%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,095
$46,113
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,099
$57,808
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$22,162
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
47%
First-generation students
39%
38%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 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 Lewis University 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 Lewis 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, Lewis University or Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,391 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,028 at Lewis 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 Lewis University and Northern Illinois University?
Before aid, Northern Illinois University costs about $28,851 a year and Lewis University about $47,313. 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, Lewis University or Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,126 there, against about $10,382 at Lewis University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lewis University or Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 11,301 undergraduates against 4,015 at Lewis University.
Does Lewis University or Northern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
Lewis University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 49% at Northern Illinois University.
Do graduates of Lewis University or Northern Illinois University earn more?
Lewis University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,099 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,808 for Northern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lewis University and Northern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
Lewis University 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 Lewis University and Northern Illinois University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1210 at Lewis University and 940–1170 at Northern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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