Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) vs Northern Illinois University (NIU)

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) and Northern Illinois University (NIU) are two public universities in Illinois with distinct characteristics. SIUE, located in Edwardsville, has an acceptance rate of 86%, while NIU, situated in DeKalb, has an acceptance rate of 79%. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors including Business, Education, and Engineering. SIUE boasts a diverse student body, with 38% of its students identifying as minorities, while NIU's student body is slightly less diverse, with 29% minority students. In terms of graduation rates, SIUE has a four-year graduation rate of 28%, while NIU's four-year graduation rate is 26%. To help you make an informed decision about which university better suits your needs, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these and other key differences between SIUE and NIU.

	Northern Illinois University	Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Overview
Location	Dekalb, Illinois	Edwardsville, Illinois
Campus setting	Suburb: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	67.0%	74.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	70.4%	98.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $40
SAT range	N/A	920 - 1160
ACT range	N/A	19 - 26
Students submitting SAT score		49.0%
Students submitting ACT score		26.0%
Total number of applicants	22,602	8,995
Total number of admissions given out	15,922	8,821
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,285	1,992
Yield rate	14.4%	22.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$27,218	$26,007
Average net price	$13,265	$15,519
Tuition	$9,606	$9,123
Room & board	$11,098	Room/dormitory: $6,290 Meal plan: $4,920
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $13,008	99.0% Average amount $8,667
Students receiving federal student loan	58.0% Average amount $5,313	46.0% Average amount $5,063
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $11,726	5.0% Average amount $10,038

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	11,834 Men 47.1% Women 52.9%	9,967 Men 42.8% Women 57.2%
Graduate students	4,400 Men 40.8% Women 59.2%	3,043 Men 38.1% Women 61.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	16.6%
International students	4.6%	4.1%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	4,500	3,006
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Illinois Missouri Texas California Indiana

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Engineering Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	50.8%	51.8%
Dropout rate	46.9%	11.6%
Transferred out	N/A	32.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $118,716 Year 2: $98,186 Year 3: $125,726 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,047 Year 2: $88,920 Year 3: $96,563 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,161 Year 2: $91,587 Year 3: $94,214 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,013 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $76,350 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $74,606 Year 2: $75,204 Year 3: $75,980 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,752 Year 2: $64,150 Year 3: $74,168 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,234 Year 2: $66,989 Year 3: $74,151 Psychology, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $57,535 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $73,940 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,453 Year 2: $69,151 Year 3: $72,792 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,291 Year 2: $63,685 Year 3: $72,760	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $123,885 Year 2: $131,918 Year 3: $131,417 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,760 Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $122,898 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,776 Year 2: $147,557 Year 3: $108,891 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,415 Year 2: $67,240 Year 3: $77,916 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,721 Year 2: $65,979 Year 3: $74,972 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,868 Year 2: $65,889 Year 3: $74,137 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,907 Year 2: $56,931 Year 3: $72,924 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,725 Year 2: $60,452 Year 3: $67,195 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,153 Year 2: $59,534 Year 3: $67,063 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,616 Year 2: $57,770 Year 3: $63,574

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and Northern Illinois University (NIU)?

SIUE is located in Edwardsville, Illinois, a suburban area near St. Louis, Missouri. The campus offers a more relaxed, commuter-friendly environment with a focus on green spaces and a smaller student body. NIU, situated in DeKalb, Illinois, is in a more traditional college town setting. NIU has a larger student population and a more active campus life, including a wider range of on-campus housing and a more vibrant social scene.
How do the academic programs compare at SIUE and NIU?

Both universities offer a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. NIU generally has a broader selection of programs, particularly in areas like engineering, business, and the arts. SIUE excels in programs related to healthcare, education, and the sciences, often with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and community engagement. Consider your specific academic interests when making your decision.
What is the cost of attendance like at SIUE versus NIU?

Generally, SIUE tends to be slightly more affordable than NIU, especially for in-state students. This includes tuition, fees, and living expenses. However, costs can vary depending on the specific program, housing choices, and financial aid packages. It's recommended to compare the net cost after financial aid for both universities based on your individual circumstances.
How does student life and extracurricular activities differ between the two universities?

NIU boasts a more extensive and diverse range of extracurricular activities, including a larger Greek life presence, more Division I sports teams, and a wider variety of student organizations. SIUE offers a more intimate campus experience with a focus on community involvement and a strong sense of belonging. Both universities provide opportunities for student involvement, but the scale and scope differ significantly.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at SIUE and NIU?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. NIU, with its larger alumni network and broader industry connections, may offer more extensive career opportunities in certain fields. SIUE's career services often focus on regional job markets and provide strong support for students seeking internships and employment in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Job placement rates are generally comparable, but the specific industries and geographic locations of job opportunities may vary.
How do the housing options compare at SIUE and NIU?

NIU offers a wider variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. SIUE has fewer on-campus housing options, with a greater emphasis on apartment-style living. Both universities offer off-campus housing options, but the availability and cost may vary depending on the location and type of accommodation.
What is the overall campus culture like at SIUE and NIU?

SIUE fosters a more relaxed and collaborative campus culture, with a strong emphasis on community and student-faculty interaction. NIU has a more energetic and diverse campus culture, with a greater emphasis on school spirit and social events. The best fit depends on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a college experience.
Which university is better for students interested in research opportunities?

Both universities offer research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. NIU, being a larger research institution, may have more extensive research facilities and a wider range of research projects available. SIUE provides excellent research opportunities, particularly in areas related to its strengths in healthcare, education, and the sciences, often with a focus on undergraduate involvement.
How do the athletic programs compare at SIUE and NIU?

NIU competes at the NCAA Division I level in a wider range of sports, including football, basketball, and baseball, offering a more prominent athletic program and a more spirited fan base. SIUE competes at the NCAA Division I level in select sports, with a focus on sports like soccer and track and field. The level of athletic involvement and school spirit differs significantly.
How can I decide which university is the best fit for me?

Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, financial situation, and preferred extracurricular activities. Visit both campuses if possible, talk to current students, and research the specific programs that interest you. Compare the pros and cons of each university based on your individual needs and preferences to make an informed decision.

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