Academic Comparison between BSU and Northern Illinois University

Ball State University and Northern Illinois University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. BSU is located in Muncie, IN and Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • BSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($28,766) than Northern Illinois University ($12,506).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Illinois University than BSU.
  • BSU has more students with 19,777 students while Northern Illinois University has 15,649 students.
  • Northern Illinois University has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while BSU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • BSU has more full-time faculties with 1,047 faculties while Northern Illinois University has 787 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Ball State Universityvs.Northern Illinois University
Muncie, IndianaLocationDekalb, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$10,758
Out-Of-State$28,766
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,506
Out-Of-State$12,506
87%% Receiving Financial Aid95%
$10,706Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,294
72.00 %Acceptance Rates70.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.00 %
1,160SAT Score-
27ACT Score-
63 %Graduation Rate53 %
23 %Transfer-out Rate-
73 %Retention Rate65 %
19,777Student Population15,649
1,047Number of Faculties787
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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