North Park University vs Northern Illinois University
North Park University is a private university in Chicago, IL, and Northern Illinois University is a public university in Dekalb, IL. North Park University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 69% of applicants against 70% at Northern Illinois University. Northern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,391 a year against $16,948 at North Park University. About 57% of students graduate at North Park University, compared with 49% at Northern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, North Park University alumni earn a median of about $59,572, against $57,808 for Northern Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Dekalb, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,818
11,301
Acceptance rate
69%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1162
940–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
19–23
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,948
$13,391
Full cost / yr
$44,172
$28,851
In-state tuition
$36,710
$13,248
Out-of-state tuition
$36,710
$13,248
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,845
$10,126
$30k - $48k
$14,843
$9,854
$48k - $75k
$16,067
$12,797
$75k - $110k
$19,208
$17,612
Over $110k
$22,964
$21,834
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
49%
Freshman retention
62%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,326
$46,113
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,572
$57,808
Median debt at graduation
$25,500
$22,162
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
47%
First-generation students
37%
38%
International students
12%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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.
- Is North Park University or Northern Illinois University harder to get into?
- North Park University is harder to get into. It admits about 69% of applicants, compared with 70% at Northern 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, North Park 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 $16,948 at North Park 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 North Park University and Northern Illinois University?
- Before aid, Northern Illinois University costs about $28,851 a year and North Park University about $44,172. 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 Park University or Northern Illinois University?
- Northern Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,126 there, against about $14,845 at North Park University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, North Park University or Northern Illinois University?
- Northern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 11,301 undergraduates against 1,818 at North Park University.
- Does North Park University or Northern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- North Park University has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 49% at Northern Illinois University.
- Do graduates of North Park University or Northern Illinois University earn more?
- North Park University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,572 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,808 for Northern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do North Park University and Northern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- North Park 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 North Park University and Northern Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1162 at North Park University and 940–1170 at Northern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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