Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois and Wheaton

Northern Illinois University and Wheaton College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northern Illinois is a four-year, public school located in Dekalb, IL and Wheaton is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Wheaton, 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 Wheaton is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Wheaton has more expensive tuition & fees ($45,546) than Northern Illinois ($13,060).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Illinois than Wheaton.
  • Northern Illinois has more students with 15,414 students while Wheaton has 2,874 students.
  • Wheaton 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 Wheaton has 193 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Illinois Universityvs.Wheaton College
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationWheaton, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$13,060
Out-Of-State$13,060
2025 Tuition & Fees$45,546
86%% Receiving Financial Aid92%
$12,589Average Amount of Financial Aid$24,496
69.79 %Acceptance Rates87.40 %
12.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)29.89 %
-SAT Score1,380
-ACT Score30
49 %Graduation Rate85 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
70 %Retention Rate93 %
15,414Student Population2,874
820Number of Faculties193
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), 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