Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois and National Louis

Northern Illinois University and National Louis University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northern Illinois is a four-year, public school located in Dekalb, IL and National Louis is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Chicago, 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 National Louis is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • National Louis has more expensive tuition & fees ($13,245) than Northern Illinois ($13,060).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Illinois than National Louis.
  • Northern Illinois has more students with 15,414 students while National Louis has 8,915 students.
  • Northern Illinois has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while National Louis's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Northern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 820 faculties while National Louis has 198 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Illinois Universityvs.National Louis University
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationChicago, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$13,060
Out-Of-State$13,060
2025 Tuition & Fees$13,245
86%% Receiving Financial Aid83%
$12,589Average Amount of Financial Aid$15,461
69.79 %Acceptance Rates95.05 %
12.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.41 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
49 %Graduation Rate30 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
70 %Retention Rate50 %
15,414Student Population8,915
820Number of Faculties198
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), 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