Academic Comparison between Northeastern Illinois and Lake Forest

Northeastern Illinois University and Lake Forest College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northeastern Illinois is a four-year, public school located in Chicago, IL and Lake Forest is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lake Forest, 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.

  • Northeastern Illinois is a public and Lake Forest is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Lake Forest has more expensive tuition & fees ($56,402) than Northeastern Illinois ($22,726).
  • It is harder to admit to Lake Forest than Northeastern Illinois.
  • Northeastern Illinois has more students with 5,734 students while Lake Forest has 1,837 students.
  • Northeastern Illinois has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while Lake Forest's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • Northeastern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 250 faculties while Lake Forest has 112 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northeastern Illinois Universityvs.Lake Forest College
Chicago, IllinoisLocationLake Forest, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$12,383
Out-Of-State$22,726
2025 Tuition & Fees$56,402
73%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$10,449Average Amount of Financial Aid$49,998
74.60 %Acceptance Rates56.81 %
8.49 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.64 %
-SAT Score1,320
-ACT Score30
22 %Graduation Rate78 %
-Transfer-out Rate16 %
52 %Retention Rate90 %
5,734Student Population1,837
250Number of Faculties112
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services