College comparison

Northern Illinois University vs University of Memphis

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	University of Memphis Memphis, TN
Acceptance rateNorthern Illinois University is more selective	70%	72%
SAT (25–75)	—	915–1180
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	11,301	12,701
Avg net price	$13,391	$12,397
Median earnings (10 yr)Northern Illinois University reports higher median earnings	$57,808	$48,458
Graduation rate	49%	51%
Median debt	$22,162	$23,300
Economic mobility	1.6%	1.2%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is Northern Illinois University or University of Memphis harder to get into?

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

What SAT score do you need for Northern Illinois University vs University of Memphis?

The middle-50% SAT range is — at Northern Illinois University and 915–1180 at University of Memphis. 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.