Northern Illinois University vs Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Northern Illinois University is a public university in Dekalb, IL, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public university in Edwardsville, IL. Northern Illinois University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 70% of applicants against 98% at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Northern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,391 a year against $14,889 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. About 56% of students graduate at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, compared with 49% at Northern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Northern Illinois University alumni earn a median of about $57,808, against $56,346 for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Dekalb, IL
Edwardsville, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
11,301
8,750
Acceptance rate
70%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1170
950–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
20–27
Test policy
Test blind
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,391
$14,889
Full cost / yr
$28,851
$28,919
In-state tuition
$13,248
$12,922
Out-of-state tuition
$13,248
$12,922
Application fee
Not reported
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,126
$8,483
$30k - $48k
$9,854
$8,587
$48k - $75k
$12,797
$11,116
$75k - $110k
$17,612
$19,351
Over $110k
$21,834
$24,684
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
56%
Freshman retention
70%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,113
$46,384
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,808
$56,346
Median debt at graduation
$22,162
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
47%
33%
First-generation students
38%
31%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
May 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.
- Is Northern Illinois University or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville harder to get into?
- Northern Illinois University is harder to get into. It admits about 70% of applicants, compared with 98% at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Northern Illinois University or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville?
- Northern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,391 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,889 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 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 Northern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville?
- Before aid, Northern Illinois University costs about $28,851 a year and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville about $28,919. 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, Northern Illinois University or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville?
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,483 there, against about $10,126 at Northern Illinois University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Northern Illinois University or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville?
- Northern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 11,301 undergraduates against 8,750 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
- Does Northern Illinois University or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville have a better graduation rate?
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 49% at Northern Illinois University.
- Do graduates of Northern Illinois University or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn more?
- Northern Illinois University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,808 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,346 for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Northern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville require SAT or ACT scores?
- Northern Illinois University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Northern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1170 at Northern Illinois University and 950–1190 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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