Loyola Chicago (Quinlan) vs Northern Illinois
Which MBA program is right for you?
Loyola Chicago (Quinlan)
Northern Illinois
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Loyola Chicago (Quinlan) | Northern Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #107 | #125 |
| Acceptance Rate | 59% | 70% |
| Avg. GMAT | 590 | 550 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Class Size | 40 | 40 |
| Avg. Salary | $92,000 | $93,000 |
| Employment Rate | 85% | 83% |
| Annual Tuition | $46,000 | $13,000 |
The Verdict
Choose Loyola Chicago (Quinlan) if…
you want a downtown Chicago Jesuit MBA with healthcare management strengths and the Magnificent Mile campus.
Full Loyola Chicago (Quinlan) Profile →Choose Northern Illinois if…
you want Illinois public university pricing, one of the best ROI ratios in Chicago, and a one-year accelerated option.
Full Northern Illinois Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Both are Chicago-area MBA programs outside the Booth/Kellogg tier. Loyola's Water Tower campus is in downtown Chicago. NIU's DeKalb campus is 65 miles west. The question is whether downtown Chicago's daily access is worth the tuition premium ($46K vs $13K) when salary outcomes are comparable ($92K vs $93K).
The Honest Take
The salary outcomes are almost identical ($92K Loyola vs $93K NIU). NIU's $13K tuition makes it the clear ROI winner. Loyola's downtown location provides better employer access and networking during the program. If you value the daily Chicago immersion and Jesuit ethics emphasis, Loyola justifies the premium. If you value maximizing ROI, NIU is the rational choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable?
NIU ($13K/year in-state) is dramatically cheaper than Loyola ($46K/year). For Illinois residents, the NIU value is compelling.
Which is better for healthcare?
Loyola Quinlan has stronger healthcare management coursework and connections to Chicago's hospital systems. NIU doesn't emphasize healthcare management.
Which is closer to Chicago employers?
Loyola's Water Tower campus is in downtown Chicago. NIU's DeKalb campus is a 90-minute commute. For daily employer engagement, Loyola wins.