Academic Comparison between Northern Illinois University and BSU

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

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

Northern Illinois Universityvs.Ball State University
Dekalb, IllinoisLocationMuncie, Indiana
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$12,506
Out-Of-State$12,506
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$10,758
Out-Of-State$28,766
95%% Receiving Financial Aid87%
$9,294Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,706
70.45 %Acceptance Rates71.60 %
12.93 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.64 %
-SAT Score1,160
-ACT Score27
53 %Graduation Rate63 %
-Transfer-out Rate23 %
65 %Retention Rate73 %
15,649Student Population19,777
787Number of Faculties1,047
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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