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North Central College and School of the Art Institute of Chicago are both private nonprofit institutions — North Central College in Naperville, IL and School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Naperville, IL · Private
Acceptance rate: 77.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,428
Tuition: $45,726/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 64.0%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Naperville, IL with published program strength in Business and marketing and Psychology.
Chicago, IL · Private
Acceptance rate: 77.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,805
Tuition: $56,420/year
Student-faculty ratio: 10.0:1
Graduation rate: 67.0%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts, English
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Chicago, IL with published program strength in Visual and performing arts and English.
| Factor | North Central College | School of the Art Institute of Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 77.3% | 77.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1055–1310 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 24–29 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,428 | 2,805 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $45,726/year | $56,420/year |
| Average net price after aid | $21,044 | $49,790 |
| Graduation rate | 64.0% | 67.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $60,123 | $40,151 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Naperville, IL | Chicago, IL |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences | Visual and performing arts, English |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (77.3% vs 77.5%). North Central College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($21,044 vs $49,790). School of the Art Institute of Chicago reports the higher graduation rate (67.0% vs 64.0%). School of the Art Institute of Chicago is the larger undergraduate campus (2,805 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between North Central College and School of the Art Institute of Chicago
North Central College has an acceptance rate of 77.3%; School of the Art Institute of Chicago is around 77.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
North Central College tuition is $45,726/year. School of the Art Institute of Chicago is $56,420/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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