Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois and McKendree

Northern Illinois University and McKendree University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northern Illinois is a four-year, public school located in Dekalb, IL and McKendree is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lebanon, 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 McKendree is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • McKendree has more expensive tuition & fees ($34,740) than Northern Illinois ($13,060).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Illinois than McKendree.
  • Northern Illinois has more students with 15,414 students while McKendree has 2,392 students.
  • Northern Illinois has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while McKendree's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Northern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 820 faculties while McKendree has 67 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Illinois Universityvs.McKendree University
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationLebanon, 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 (medium programs)
In-State$13,060
Out-Of-State$13,060
2025 Tuition & Fees$34,740
86%% Receiving Financial Aid95%
$12,589Average Amount of Financial Aid$22,834
69.79 %Acceptance Rates71.72 %
12.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.78 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
49 %Graduation Rate53 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
70 %Retention Rate67 %
15,414Student Population2,392
820Number of Faculties67
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