Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois and Concordia University-Chicago

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

  • Northern Illinois is a public and Concordia University-Chicago is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Concordia University-Chicago has more expensive tuition & fees ($37,488) than Northern Illinois ($13,060).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Illinois than Concordia University-Chicago.
  • Northern Illinois has more students with 15,414 students while Concordia University-Chicago has 4,770 students.
  • Concordia University-Chicago has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Northern Illinois's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Northern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 820 faculties while Concordia University-Chicago has 231 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Illinois Universityvs.Concordia University-Chicago
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationRiver Forest, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$13,060
Out-Of-State$13,060
2025 Tuition & Fees$37,488
86%% Receiving Financial Aid79%
$12,589Average Amount of Financial Aid$22,929
69.79 %Acceptance Rates92.79 %
12.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)7.70 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
49 %Graduation Rate36 %
-Transfer-out Rate30 %
70 %Retention Rate61 %
15,414Student Population4,770
820Number of Faculties231
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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, On-campus daycare