Academic Comparison between Northeastern Illinois and Northwestern

Northeastern Illinois University and Northwestern University 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 Evanston, 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 Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than Northeastern Illinois ($22,726).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than Northeastern Illinois.
  • Northwestern has more students with 23,856 students while Northeastern Illinois has 5,734 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Northeastern Illinois's ratio is 9 to 1.
  • Northwestern has more full-time faculties with 2,442 faculties while Northeastern Illinois has 250 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northeastern Illinois Universityvs.Northwestern University
Chicago, IllinoisLocationEvanston, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$12,383
Out-Of-State$22,726
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,322
73%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$10,449Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,150
74.60 %Acceptance Rates7.69 %
8.49 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)55.31 %
-SAT Score1,540
-ACT Score34
22 %Graduation Rate95 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
52 %Retention Rate98 %
5,734Student Population23,856
250Number of Faculties2,442
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services