Academic Comparison between Central Michigan and Northern Illinois

Central Michigan University and Northern Illinois University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Central Michigan is located in Mount Pleasant, MI and Northern Illinois is located in Dekalb, IL.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Central Michigan has more expensive tuition & fees ($15,480) than Northern Illinois ($13,060).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Illinois than Central Michigan.
  • Northern Illinois has more students with 15,414 students while Central Michigan has 14,488 students.
  • Northern Illinois has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while Central Michigan's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Northern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 820 faculties while Central Michigan has 659 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Central Michigan Universityvs.Northern Illinois University
Mount Pleasant, MichiganLocationDekalb, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$15,480
Out-Of-State$15,480
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$13,060
Out-Of-State$13,060
83%% Receiving Financial Aid86%
$10,541Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,589
89.82 %Acceptance Rates69.79 %
11.26 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.06 %
1,080SAT Score-
24ACT Score-
59 %Graduation Rate49 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate70 %
14,488Student Population15,414
659Number of Faculties820
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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