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North Central College vs Northeastern Illinois University

North Central College is a private college in Naperville, 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 77% at North Central College. Northeastern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,109 a year against $21,044 at North Central College. About 68% of students graduate at North Central College, compared with 18% at Northeastern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, North Central College alumni earn a median of about $60,123, against $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University.

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Naperville, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,428
3,982
Acceptance rate
77%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1055–1310
810–1010
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
15–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,044
$14,109
Full cost / yr
$57,219
$26,960
In-state tuition
$45,726
$12,383
Out-of-state tuition
$45,726
$22,726
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,507
$13,709
$30k - $48k
$13,486
$12,824
$48k - $75k
$16,362
$15,077
$75k - $110k
$20,590
$20,464
Over $110k
$26,961
$25,001
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
18%
Freshman retention
77%
52%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,762
$43,801
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,123
$52,234
Median debt at graduation
$24,500
$14,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
56%
First-generation students
27%
51%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 North Central College or Northeastern Illinois University harder to get into?
Northeastern Illinois University is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 77% at North Central 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, North Central College or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,109 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,044 at North Central 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 North Central College and Northeastern Illinois University?
Before aid, Northeastern Illinois University costs about $26,960 a year and North Central College about $57,219. 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, North Central College or Northeastern Illinois University?
North Central College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,507 there, against about $13,709 at Northeastern Illinois University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, North Central College or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 3,982 undergraduates against 2,428 at North Central College.
Does North Central College or Northeastern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
North Central College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 18% at Northeastern Illinois University.
Do graduates of North Central College or Northeastern Illinois University earn more?
North Central College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,123 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do North Central College and Northeastern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
North Central College 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 North Central College and Northeastern Illinois University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1055–1310 at North Central College and 810–1010 at Northeastern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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