College comparison

Northern Illinois University vs Western Kentucky 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	Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY
Acceptance rateNorthern Illinois University is more selective	70%	94%
SAT (25–75)	—	840–1050
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	11,301	12,155
Avg net price	$13,391	$10,990
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public
Location	Dekalb, IL	Bowling Green, KY

Quick answers

Is Northern Illinois University or Western Kentucky University harder to get into?

Northern Illinois University is more selective: Northern Illinois University's acceptance rate is approximately 70% and Western Kentucky University's is approximately 94% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Northern Illinois University vs Western Kentucky University?

The middle-50% SAT range is — at Northern Illinois University and 840–1050 at Western Kentucky 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.