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Northern Illinois University and University of Illinois Chicago are both public institutions — Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL and University of Illinois 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.
Dekalb, IL · Public
Acceptance rate: 69.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 11,301
Tuition: $13,248/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 48.7%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Education
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Dekalb, IL with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
Chicago, IL · Public
Acceptance rate: 77.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 22,170
Tuition: $29,884/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 61.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Computer science
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Chicago, IL with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | Northern Illinois University | University of Illinois Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 69.8% | 77.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1130–1350 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 25–31 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,301 | 22,170 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,248/year | $29,884/year |
| Average net price after aid | $13,391 | $10,974 |
| Graduation rate | 48.7% | 61.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $57,808 | $68,740 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 15.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Dekalb, IL | Chicago, IL |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Education | Business and marketing, Health professions, Computer science |
Northern Illinois University is more selective (69.8% vs 77.3% acceptance rate). University of Illinois Chicago has a lower average net price after grant aid ($10,974 vs $13,391). University of Illinois Chicago reports the higher graduation rate (61.6% vs 48.7%). University of Illinois Chicago is the larger undergraduate campus (22,170 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.
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Common questions when choosing between Northern Illinois University and University of Illinois Chicago
Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 69.8%; University of Illinois Chicago is around 77.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Northern Illinois University tuition is $13,248/year. University of Illinois Chicago is $29,884/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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