Northern Illinois University vs California State University-Sacramento
Dekalb, IL — Sacramento, CA
| Metric | Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL | California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Dekalb, IL | Sacramento, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 11,301 | 28,350 |
| Acceptance Rate | 69.8% | 94.0% |
| SAT Average | — | — |
| In-State Tuition | $13,248 | $8,018 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $13,248 | $20,618 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,391 | $9,338 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,162 | $15,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 49.2% | 56.1% |
| Retention Rate | 69.6% | 81.9% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $46,113 | $51,074 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $57,808 | $64,876 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 914700.0% | 911700.0% |
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-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Northern Illinois University and California State University-Sacramento 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-Sacramento (Sacramento, CA) has an acceptance rate of 94.0%, in-state tuition of $8,018, and median 10-year earnings of $64,876.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Northern Illinois University or California State University-Sacramento?▼
California State University-Sacramento graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $64,876 vs $57,808. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Northern Illinois University or California State University-Sacramento?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Sacramento is the more affordable option at $9,338 per year versus $13,391.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
California State University-Sacramento has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 56.1% 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