College comparison

Central Michigan University vs Northern Illinois University

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI	Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
Acceptance rateNorthern Illinois University is more selective	90%	70%
SAT (25–75)	960–1200	—
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	10,035	11,301
Avg net price	$17,597	$13,391
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public
Location	Mount Pleasant, MI	Dekalb, IL

Quick answers

Is Central Michigan University or Northern Illinois University harder to get into?

Northern Illinois University is more selective: Central Michigan University's acceptance rate is approximately 90% and Northern Illinois University's is approximately 70% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Central Michigan University vs Northern Illinois University?

The middle-50% SAT range is 960–1200 at Central Michigan University and — at Northern Illinois University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.