Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois and Central Michigan

Northern Illinois University and Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan is located in Mount Pleasant, MI.

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

Northern Illinois Universityvs.Central Michigan University
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationMount Pleasant, Michigan
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$15,480
Out-Of-State$15,480
86%% Receiving Financial Aid83%
$12,589Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,541
69.79 %Acceptance Rates89.82 %
12.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.26 %
-SAT Score1,080
-ACT Score24
49 %Graduation Rate59 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
70 %Retention Rate75 %
15,414Student Population14,488
820Number of Faculties659
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 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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