Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois and BSU

Northern Illinois University and Ball State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Northern Illinois is located in Dekalb, IL and BSU is located in Muncie, IN.

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.
  • BSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($29,630) than Northern Illinois ($13,060).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Illinois than BSU.
  • BSU has more students with 21,089 students while Northern Illinois has 15,414 students.
  • BSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while Northern Illinois's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • BSU has more full-time faculties with 968 faculties while Northern Illinois has 820 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Illinois Universityvs.Ball State University
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationMuncie, Indiana
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$13,060
Out-Of-State$13,060
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,082
Out-Of-State$29,630
86%% Receiving Financial Aid67%
$12,589Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,279
69.79 %Acceptance Rates85.50 %
12.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.44 %
-SAT Score1,160
-ACT Score23
49 %Graduation Rate62 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
70 %Retention Rate78 %
15,414Student Population21,089
820Number of Faculties968
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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