Northern Illinois University vs California State University-Long Beach
Dekalb, IL — Long Beach, CA
| Metric | Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL | California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Dekalb, IL | Long Beach, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 11,301 | 35,924 |
| Acceptance Rate | 69.8% | 46.3% |
| SAT Average | — | — |
| In-State Tuition | $13,248 | $7,350 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $13,248 | $19,950 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,391 | $10,440 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,162 | $14,289 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 49.2% | 69.3% |
| Retention Rate | 69.6% | 86.8% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $46,113 | $50,062 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $57,808 | $64,403 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 914700.0% | 894200.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL
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California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Northern Illinois University and California State University-Long Beach compare?▼
Northern Illinois University (Dekalb, IL) has an acceptance rate of 69.8%, in-state tuition of $13,248, and median 10-year earnings of $57,808. California State University-Long Beach (Long Beach, CA) has an acceptance rate of 46.3%, in-state tuition of $7,350, and median 10-year earnings of $64,403.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Northern Illinois University or California State University-Long Beach?▼
California State University-Long Beach graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $64,403 vs $57,808. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Northern Illinois University or California State University-Long Beach?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Long Beach is the more affordable option at $10,440 per year versus $13,391.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
California State University-Long Beach has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 69.3% vs 49.2%.
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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.
Related
Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025