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Northern Illinois University vs University of Illinois Chicago

3

Northern Illinois University

4

University of Illinois Chicago

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric Northern Illinois University University of Illinois Chicago Winner
Acceptance Rate 71% 79% Northern Illinois University
Graduation Rate 51% 61% University of Illinois Chicago
Avg Earnings (5yr) $46,113 $53,218 University of Illinois Chicago
Median Debt $22,162 $16,704 University of Illinois Chicago
Tuition (In-State) $12,700 $14,338 Northern Illinois University
Retention Rate 70% 78% University of Illinois Chicago
Financial Aid 49% 25% Northern Illinois University

Comparison Analysis

University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn more than Northern Illinois University graduates. The median earnings for UIC graduates is $53,218, while NIU graduates earn $46,113. UIC also has a higher graduation rate, with 60.9% of students graduating compared to NIU's 51.3%. UIC is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 78.5% compared to NIU's 70.5%.

Northern Illinois University has a lower tuition cost. Tuition at NIU is $12,700, while UIC's tuition is $14,338.

When considering the overall value proposition, students may weigh the higher earning potential and graduation rate at UIC against the lower tuition at NIU. Students may also consider the selectivity of each school, with UIC being more selective than NIU.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major Northern Illinois University Earnings University of Illinois Chicago Earnings Difference
Psychology, General $33,150 $30,565 8% favor Northern Illinois University
Biology, General $38,137 $28,768 33% favor Northern Illinois University
Psychology, General $0 $30,565
Psychology, General $86,837 $30,565 184% favor Northern Illinois University
Biology, General $46,541 $28,768 62% favor Northern Illinois University
Biology, General $0 $28,768
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $75,557 $75,045 1% favor Northern Illinois University
Business Administration, Management and Operations $52,724 $88,048 67% favor University of Illinois Chicago
Business Administration, Management and Operations $85,140 $88,048 3% favor University of Illinois Chicago
Accounting and Related Services $63,743 $65,680 3% favor University of Illinois Chicago

Quick Facts

Type Public
Location Dekalb, IL
Setting Suburban
Students 11,277
Type Public
Location Chicago, IL
Setting City
Students 21,814

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Northern Illinois University has median earnings of $46,113 and tuition of $12,700. University of Illinois Chicago has median earnings of $53,218 and tuition of $14,338. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

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