Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois and GovState

Northern Illinois University and Governors State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Illinois

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.
  • Northern Illinois has more expensive tuition & fees ($13,060) than GovState ($12,004).
  • It is harder to admit to GovState than Northern Illinois.
  • Northern Illinois has more students with 15,414 students while GovState has 4,397 students.
  • GovState has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Northern Illinois's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Northern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 820 faculties while GovState has 240 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Illinois Universityvs.Governors State University
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationUniversity Park, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
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
In-State$12,004
Out-Of-State$12,004
86%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$12,589Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,149
69.79 %Acceptance Rates48.27 %
12.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.82 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
49 %Graduation Rate22 %
-Transfer-out Rate39 %
70 %Retention Rate56 %
15,414Student Population4,397
820Number of Faculties240
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), 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, On-campus daycare