University of Chicago vs Northern Illinois University
University of Chicago is a private university in Chicago, IL. Northern Illinois University is a public university in Dekalb, IL. University of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants and Northern Illinois University about 70%, making University of Chicago the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,391 a year at Northern Illinois University after aid, and about $14,860 at University of Chicago. About 95% of students graduate at University of Chicago, compared with 49% at Northern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Chicago alumni earn a median of about $91,885, against $57,808 for Northern Illinois University.
* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.
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 University of Chicago or Northern Illinois University harder to get into?
- University of Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 4% 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, University of Chicago or Northern Illinois University?
- Northern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,391 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,860 at University 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 University of Chicago and Northern Illinois University?
- Before aid, Northern Illinois University costs about $28,851 a year and University of Chicago about $90,360. 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, University of Chicago or Northern Illinois University?
- University of Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,264 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, University of Chicago or Northern Illinois University?
- Northern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 11,301 undergraduates against 7,569 at University of Chicago.
- Does University of Chicago or Northern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 49% at Northern Illinois University.
- Do graduates of University of Chicago or Northern Illinois University earn more?
- University of Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,885 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,808 for Northern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Chicago and Northern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago and Northern Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at University of Chicago and 940–1170 at Northern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.