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School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs North Central College

School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private institute in Chicago, IL, and North Central College is a private college in Naperville, IL. Both admit about 77% of applicants. North Central College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,044 a year against $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. About 68% of students graduate at North Central College, compared with 65% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, North Central College alumni earn a median of about $60,123, against $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,805
2,428
Acceptance rate
77%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1048–1260
1055–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
22–25
24–29
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,790
$21,044
Full cost / yr
$75,625
$57,219
In-state tuition
$56,420
$45,726
Out-of-state tuition
$56,420
$45,726
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$43,798
$12,507
$30k - $48k
$39,845
$13,486
$48k - $75k
$46,708
$16,362
$75k - $110k
$49,595
$20,590
Over $110k
$55,790
$26,961
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
68%
Freshman retention
84%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,742
$51,762
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,151
$60,123
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
24%
First-generation students
21%
27%
International students
28%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago or North Central College harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 77% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or North Central College?
North Central College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,044 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago and North Central College?
Before aid, North Central College costs about $57,219 a year and School of the Art Institute of Chicago about $75,625. 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, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or North Central College?
North Central College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,507 there, against about $43,798 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or North Central College?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 2,805 undergraduates against 2,428 at North Central College.
Does School of the Art Institute of Chicago or North Central College have a better graduation rate?
North Central College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 65% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Do graduates of School of the Art Institute of Chicago or North Central College earn more?
North Central College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,123 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and North Central College require SAT or ACT scores?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. North Central College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and North Central College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1048–1260 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and 1055–1310 at North Central College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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