Northeastern Illinois University vs Western Illinois University
Northeastern Illinois University is a public university in Chicago, IL, and Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, IL. Western Illinois University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 71% of applicants against 75% at Northeastern Illinois University. Western Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,937 a year against $14,109 at Northeastern Illinois University. About 45% of students graduate at Western Illinois University, compared with 18% at Northeastern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Illinois University alumni earn a median of about $54,163, against $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Chicago, IL
Macomb, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,982
4,410
Acceptance rate
75%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
810–1010
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
15–21
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,109
$12,937
Full cost / yr
$26,960
$28,254
In-state tuition
$12,383
$15,264
Out-of-state tuition
$22,726
$15,264
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,709
$6,941
$30k - $48k
$12,824
$8,787
$48k - $75k
$15,077
$12,062
$75k - $110k
$20,464
$16,294
Over $110k
$25,001
$19,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
18%
45%
Freshman retention
52%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,801
$43,057
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,234
$54,163
Median debt at graduation
$14,600
$25,251
Student body
Pell grant recipients
56%
28%
First-generation students
51%
38%
International students
1%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 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.
- Is Northeastern Illinois University or Western Illinois University harder to get into?
- Western Illinois University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% 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, Northeastern Illinois University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,937 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,109 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Northeastern Illinois University and Western Illinois University?
- Before aid, Northeastern Illinois University costs about $26,960 a year and Western Illinois University about $28,254. 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, Northeastern Illinois University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,941 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, Northeastern Illinois University or Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,410 undergraduates against 3,982 at Northeastern Illinois University.
- Does Northeastern Illinois University or Western Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Illinois University has the higher graduation rate, at about 45% against 18% at Northeastern Illinois University.
- Do graduates of Northeastern Illinois University or Western Illinois University earn more?
- Western Illinois University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,163 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Northeastern Illinois University and Western Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Northeastern Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Northeastern Illinois University and Western Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 810–1010 at Northeastern Illinois University and 880–1090 at Western Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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