Northern Illinois vs Illinois Gies
Which MBA program is right for you?
Northern Illinois
Illinois Gies
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Northern Illinois | Illinois Gies |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #125 | #44 |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% | 38% |
| Avg. GMAT | 550 | 680 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.35 |
| Class Size | 40 | 100 |
| Avg. Salary | $93,000 | $132,000 |
| Employment Rate | 83% | 90% |
| Annual Tuition | $13,000 | $29,000 |
The Verdict
Choose Northern Illinois if…
you want Chicago-area MBA proximity at a fraction of Gies tuition with accounting and finance focus.
Full Northern Illinois Profile →Choose Illinois Gies if…
you want a much higher-ranked program (#44 vs #125) with the Illinois brand, iMBA innovation, and broader career outcomes.
Full Illinois Gies Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Both are Illinois public MBA programs. Illinois Gies (#44) in Champaign-Urbana is a top-45 program with the UIUC brand and innovative iMBA online program. Northern Illinois (#125) in DeKalb is closer to Chicago (65 miles) with lower tuition and accounting/finance strengths. The ranking gap (81 positions) reflects significant differences in program quality and career outcomes.
The Honest Take
Gies is the dramatically better MBA. Top-45 ranking, UIUC's engineering and business reputation, and strong accounting program (historically top-3 nationally). Northern Illinois wins on proximity to Chicago and cost. For working professionals in the Chicago suburbs who need an affordable, nearby MBA credential, NIU is practical. For career outcomes and brand value, Gies is the clear choice despite being 130 miles from Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is higher ranked?
Illinois Gies (#44) dramatically outranks Northern Illinois (#125).
Which is closer to Chicago?
Northern Illinois in DeKalb (65 miles) is closer than Gies in Champaign-Urbana (130 miles).
Which has the stronger accounting program?
Illinois Gies has one of the top-3 accounting programs in the country historically. NIU's accounting program is solid but can't match that legacy.