University of Illinois Chicago vs North Central College
University of Illinois Chicago is a public university in Chicago, IL, and North Central College is a private college in Naperville, IL. Both admit about 77% of applicants. University of Illinois Chicago is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,974 a year against $21,044 at North Central College. About 68% of students graduate at North Central College, compared with 61% at University of Illinois Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, University of Illinois Chicago alumni earn a median of about $68,740, against $60,123 for North Central College.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
22,170
2,428
Acceptance rate
77%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1350
1055–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,974
$21,044
Full cost / yr
$27,521
$57,219
In-state tuition
$14,338
$45,726
Out-of-state tuition
$29,884
$45,726
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,529
$12,507
$30k - $48k
$8,119
$13,486
$48k - $75k
$10,921
$16,362
$75k - $110k
$16,185
$20,590
Over $110k
$25,047
$26,961
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
68%
Freshman retention
80%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,218
$51,762
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,740
$60,123
Median debt at graduation
$16,704
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
24%
First-generation students
44%
27%
International students
7%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 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 University of Illinois 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, University of Illinois Chicago or North Central College?
- University of Illinois Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,974 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,044 at North Central College. 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 Illinois Chicago and North Central College?
- Before aid, University of Illinois Chicago costs about $27,521 a year and North Central College about $57,219. 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 Illinois Chicago or North Central College?
- University of Illinois Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,529 there, against about $12,507 at North Central College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Illinois Chicago or North Central College?
- University of Illinois Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 22,170 undergraduates against 2,428 at North Central College.
- Does University of Illinois Chicago or North Central College have a better graduation rate?
- North Central College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 61% at University of Illinois Chicago.
- Do graduates of University of Illinois Chicago or North Central College earn more?
- University of Illinois Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,740 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,123 for North Central College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Illinois Chicago and North Central College require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Illinois Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. North Central College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Illinois Chicago and North Central College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1350 at University of Illinois Chicago and 1055–1310 at North Central College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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