University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) vs Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)

When it comes to higher education in Illinois, University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) stand out as two distinct institutions with unique offerings. UIS, located in the state capital, boasts a higher acceptance rate (88%) compared to NEIU's 79%, making it a more accessible option for prospective students. NEIU, on the other hand, has a larger student body, with over 10,000 undergraduates compared to UIS's 4,000, providing a more diverse and vibrant campus experience. While both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, UIS is known for its strong focus on public affairs and management, while NEIU excels in the arts, education, and social sciences. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further differences, including graduation rates, popular majors, student demographics, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Northeastern Illinois University	University of Illinois Springfield
Overview
Location	Chicago, Illinois	Springfield, Illinois
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
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	61.0%	67.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	62.1%	79.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30
SAT range	N/A	990 - 1250
ACT range	N/A	21 - 27
Students submitting SAT score		50.0%
Students submitting ACT score		20.0%
Total number of applicants	3,399	2,496
Total number of admissions given out	2,111	1,984
Admitted students who chose to enroll	330	264
Yield rate	15.6%	13.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,985 Out of state: $35,076	In state: $16,411 Out of state: $26,026
Average net price	$14,133	$11,965
Tuition	In state: $10,091 Out of state: $20,182	In state: $9,503 Out of state: $19,118
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $7,610 Meal plan: $4,200
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	78.0% Average amount $10,529	94.0% Average amount $12,335
Students receiving federal student loan	15.0% Average amount $6,215	49.0% Average amount $5,016
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $5,866	4.0% Average amount $8,320

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,608 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%	2,503 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%
Graduate students	1,832 Men 32.0% Women 68.0%	1,441 Men 48.9% Women 51.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	2.4%	8.8%
International students	2.1%	6.9%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	426	1,123
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Illinois Missouri Wisconsin California Georgia	Illinois Wisconsin Indiana Michigan Minnesota

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Business Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science Liberal Arts	Computer and Information Science Business Public Administration and Social Service Psychology Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	21.4%	53.4%
Dropout rate	75.4%	45.1%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,937 Year 2: $77,401 Year 3: $85,599 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,326 Year 2: $56,544 Year 3: $67,702 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,232 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $62,229 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,083 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $57,180 Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,637 Year 2: $45,383 Year 3: $55,124 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,581 Year 2: $46,407 Year 3: $51,995 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,263 Year 2: $43,240 Year 3: $49,244 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,577 Year 2: $45,500 Year 3: $47,512 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,527 Year 2: $41,565 Year 3: $45,767 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,519 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $45,740	Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,512 Year 2: $78,343 Year 3: $90,183 Computer Systems Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,296 Year 2: $75,989 Year 3: $80,475 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,137 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $73,396 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,516 Year 2: $60,399 Year 3: $69,637 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,304 Year 2: $56,579 Year 3: $56,325 Public Health (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,819 Year 2: $50,231 Year 3: $56,077 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,603 Year 2: $50,856 Year 3: $54,419 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,642 Year 2: $50,161 Year 3: $53,394 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,054 Year 2: $51,392 Year 3: $49,957 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,513 Year 2: $40,209 Year 3: $48,226

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)?

UIS, part of the University of Illinois system, is a smaller, public liberal arts university known for its strong public affairs focus and online programs. NEIU, also a public university, is located in Chicago and is known for its diverse student body and commitment to accessibility and affordability. UIS tends to attract students interested in government, policy, and online learning, while NEIU caters to students seeking a diverse urban environment and a focus on social justice and community engagement.
Where are UIS and NEIU located, and how does location impact student life?

UIS is located in Springfield, the capital of Illinois, offering students opportunities for internships and involvement in state government. The campus environment is more suburban. NEIU is located in Chicago, providing access to a vibrant urban environment with diverse cultural experiences, career opportunities, and entertainment options. NEIU's location offers a more diverse and fast-paced student life.
What are the typical class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios at UIS and NEIU?

UIS generally has smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. NEIU, while still committed to student success, may have slightly larger class sizes due to its larger student population. Check each university's website for the most up-to-date statistics.
Which university, UIS or NEIU, is known for specific academic programs?

UIS is particularly well-regarded for its programs in political science, public administration, and online education. NEIU is known for its programs in education, social work, and justice studies, reflecting its commitment to social justice and community engagement. Both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
How do the costs of attending UIS and NEIU compare?

Both UIS and NEIU are public universities and generally offer competitive tuition rates. However, tuition and fees can vary depending on residency status and program of study. NEIU is often recognized for its affordability. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most current tuition and fee schedules, as well as information on financial aid and scholarships.
What types of student activities and organizations are available at UIS and NEIU?

UIS offers a range of student activities, including student government, clubs, organizations, and intramural sports. Given its location in the state capital, there are also opportunities for political involvement. NEIU boasts a diverse array of student organizations reflecting its diverse student body, including cultural clubs, academic societies, and social justice groups. Both universities provide opportunities for students to get involved and connect with their peers.
What are the admission requirements for UIS and NEIU?

Admission requirements for both UIS and NEIU typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (though many universities are test-optional), and transcripts. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program of study. Check each university's admissions website for detailed information on application deadlines, required documents, and admission criteria.
What kind of career services and resources do UIS and NEIU offer to students?

Both UIS and NEIU offer career services to help students with career exploration, resume writing, interview skills, and job searching. UIS, with its proximity to state government, may offer unique internship opportunities in the public sector. NEIU, located in Chicago, provides access to a wider range of industries and employers. Both universities aim to prepare students for successful careers after graduation.
How do the campus cultures differ between UIS and NEIU?

UIS has a more close-knit, community-focused campus culture, often attracting students seeking a smaller, more personalized learning environment. NEIU's campus culture is characterized by its diversity and commitment to social justice, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds. The urban setting of NEIU also contributes to a more diverse and dynamic campus life.
What are the housing options like at UIS and NEIU?

UIS offers on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments, providing a convenient and immersive campus living experience. NEIU has limited on-campus housing; many students commute or live in off-campus apartments in the surrounding Chicago neighborhoods. This difference reflects the universities' locations and student demographics.

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