Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois and School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Northern Illinois University and School of the Art Institute of Chicago are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northern Illinois is a four-year, public school located in Dekalb, IL and School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago has more expensive tuition & fees ($54,623) than Northern Illinois ($13,060).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Illinois than School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
  • Northern Illinois has more students with 15,414 students while School of the Art Institute of Chicago has 3,394 students.
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Northern Illinois's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Northern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 820 faculties while School of the Art Institute of Chicago has 137 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Northern Illinois School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Illinois Universityvs.School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationChicago, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationSchool of art, music, and design
In-State$13,060
Out-Of-State$13,060
2025 Tuition & Fees$54,623
86%% Receiving Financial Aid93%
$12,589Average Amount of Financial Aid$18,877
69.79 %Acceptance Rates77.47 %
12.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.77 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
49 %Graduation Rate67 %
-Transfer-out Rate23 %
70 %Retention Rate84 %
15,414Student Population3,394
820Number of Faculties137
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 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