Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois and WMU

Northern Illinois University and Western Michigan University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Northern Illinois is located in Dekalb, IL and WMU is located in Kalamazoo, MI.

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.
  • WMU has more expensive tuition & fees ($19,952) than Northern Illinois ($13,060).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Illinois than WMU.
  • WMU has more students with 16,744 students while Northern Illinois has 15,414 students.
  • Northern Illinois has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while WMU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Northern Illinois has more full-time faculties with 820 faculties while WMU has 743 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Illinois Universityvs.Western Michigan University
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationKalamazoo, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$13,060
Out-Of-State$13,060
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,987
Out-Of-State$19,952
86%% Receiving Financial Aid74%
$12,589Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,864
69.79 %Acceptance Rates84.60 %
12.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.53 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
49 %Graduation Rate58 %
-Transfer-out Rate27 %
70 %Retention Rate81 %
15,414Student Population16,744
820Number of Faculties743
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, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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