Colleges in Dekalb, Illinois
2 colleges and universities — federal Scorecard data.
There are 2 colleges and universities in Dekalb, Illinois (1 Public, 1 Private for-profit). The figures below are pulled from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — the same federal dataset colleges are required to report to.
Across all 2 institutions, the median net price after grants and scholarships works out to about $12,762 per year, the median 6-year graduation rate is 56.0%, schools that report admissions data accept a median 70% of applicants.
The median net price in Dekalb runs about $2,686 lower than the Illinois statewide median of $15,448.
Whether you're comparing in-state public tuition, looking for a private nonprofit with strong outcomes, or trying to find the right program in Dekalb, the table below lets you sort every institution side-by-side on cost, admissions, graduation rate, and size.
Median net price
$12,762
After aid
Median grad rate
56.0%
6-year
Median admission rate
70%
Median enrollment
5,700
Undergrad
All colleges in Dekalb
Sorted by enrollment.
| School | State | Type | Net price | Grad rate | Admission | Size | Data | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL | IL | Public, 4-year | $13,391 | 48.7% | 70% | 11,301 | Complete | |
| Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology Dekalb, IL | IL | Private for-profit, <2-year | $12,133 | 63.3% | Not available | 99 | Partial |
By institution type
Public (1)
Public colleges in Dekalb are state- or locally-funded institutions that typically offer lower in-state tuition and serve a broad mix of residents and commuters.
- Northern Illinois UniversityNet price: $13,391Grad: 48.7%
Private for-profit (1)
Private for-profit colleges in Dekalb operate as businesses, generally focused on career-oriented and online programs with rolling admissions.
- Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail TechnologyNet price: $12,133Grad: 63.3%
Top programs in Dekalb
Most-completed programs across Dekalb colleges, weighted by enrollment.
- Business17.9% of degrees
- Health professions13.5% of degrees
- Education9.8% of degrees
- Psychology8.6% of degrees
- Engineering7.9% of degrees
- Social sciences5.0% of degrees
- Visual & performing arts5.0% of degrees
- Computer science4.9% of degrees
Frequently asked questions about colleges in Dekalb
Q.How many colleges are in Dekalb, Illinois?
There are 2 colleges and universities in Dekalb, Illinois that report to the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — 1 Public, 1 Private for-profit.
Q.What is the largest college in Dekalb?
By undergraduate enrollment, Northern Illinois University is the largest institution in Dekalb with roughly 11,301 undergraduates.
Q.What is the cheapest college in Dekalb?
Based on average net price after aid, Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology is the most affordable institution in Dekalb at $12,133 per year.
Q.Which Dekalb college has the highest graduation rate?
Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology reports the highest 6-year graduation rate among Dekalb institutions at 63.3%.
Q.What is the average tuition in Dekalb?
The median net price across all 2 colleges in Dekalb is $12,762 per year after grants and scholarships.
Q.What are the most popular college majors in Dekalb?
Across Dekalb colleges, the most-completed programs by share of degrees awarded are Business, Health professions, Education.
Q.Are there community colleges in Dekalb?
Yes — Dekalb includes 1 public institutions, many of which offer 2-year associate degrees and transfer pathways to 4-year programs.
Other cities in Illinois
Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS. Medians are computed across institutions in Dekalb that report each metric. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with each institution.