Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois and Elmhurst

Northern Illinois University and Elmhurst University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northern Illinois is a four-year, public school located in Dekalb, IL and Elmhurst is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Elmhurst has more expensive tuition & fees ($42,955) than Northern Illinois ($13,060).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Illinois than Elmhurst.
  • Northern Illinois has more students with 15,414 students while Elmhurst has 3,997 students.
  • Northern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 820 faculties while Elmhurst has 168 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Illinois Universityvs.Elmhurst University
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationElmhurst, 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$42,955
86%% Receiving Financial Aid92%
$12,589Average Amount of Financial Aid$26,434
69.79 %Acceptance Rates73.64 %
12.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.52 %
-SAT Score1,130
-ACT Score26
49 %Graduation Rate70 %
-Transfer-out Rate30 %
70 %Retention Rate80 %
15,414Student Population3,997
820Number of Faculties168
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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