College comparison

Northern Illinois University vs Purdue University Northwest

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	Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL	Purdue University Northwest Hammond, IN
Acceptance rateNorthern Illinois University is more selective	70%	72%
SAT (25–75)	—	890–1140
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	11,301	5,671
Avg net price	$13,391	$6,079
Median earnings (10 yr)Northern Illinois University reports higher median earnings	$57,808	$48,318
Graduation rate	49%	43%
Median debt	$22,162	$21,229
Economic mobility	1.6%	—
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is Northern Illinois University or Purdue University Northwest harder to get into?

Northern Illinois University is more selective: Northern Illinois University's acceptance rate is approximately 70% and Purdue University Northwest's is approximately 72% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Northern Illinois University vs Purdue University Northwest?

The middle-50% SAT range is — at Northern Illinois University and 890–1140 at Purdue University Northwest. 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.