Academic Comparison between Northeastern Illinois and Northwestern

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

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 Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($36,710) than Northeastern Illinois ($22,726).
  • It is harder to admit to Northeastern Illinois than Northwestern.
  • Northeastern Illinois has more students with 5,734 students while Northwestern has 1,705 students.
  • Northeastern Illinois has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while Northwestern's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Northeastern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 250 faculties while Northwestern has 84 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northeastern Illinois Universityvs.Northwestern College
Chicago, IllinoisLocationOrange City, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$12,383
Out-Of-State$22,726
2025 Tuition & Fees$36,710
73%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$10,449Average Amount of Financial Aid$23,305
74.60 %Acceptance Rates80.36 %
8.49 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)27.18 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
22 %Graduation Rate66 %
-Transfer-out Rate13 %
52 %Retention Rate73 %
5,734Student Population1,705
250Number of Faculties84
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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