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Northern Illinois University and Western Illinois University are both public institutions — Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL and Western Illinois University in Macomb, 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.
Macomb, IL · Public
Acceptance rate: 71.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 4,410
Tuition: $15,264/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 45.2%
Top programs: Security and law enforcement, Business and marketing, Education
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Macomb, IL with published program strength in Security and law enforcement and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Northern Illinois University | Western Illinois University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 69.8% | 71.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,301 | 4,410 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,248/year | $15,264/year |
| Average net price after aid | $13,391 | $12,937 |
| Graduation rate | 48.7% | 45.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $57,808 | $54,163 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 15.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Dekalb, IL | Macomb, IL |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Education | Security and law enforcement, Business and marketing, Education |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (69.8% vs 71.2%). Western Illinois University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($12,937 vs $13,391). Northern Illinois University reports the higher graduation rate (48.7% vs 45.2%). Northern Illinois University is the larger undergraduate campus (11,301 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 Western Illinois University
Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 69.8%; Western Illinois University is around 71.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Northern Illinois University tuition is $13,248/year. Western Illinois University is $15,264/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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