Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, Illinois · Public · 69.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 66/100 · Fair Value
Northern Illinois University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,248/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $13,248/yr |
| Average net price | $13,391/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $53,564 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,808 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,162 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $235 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 48.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,301 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,126 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,854 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,797 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,612 |
| $110,001+ | $21,834 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Northern Illinois University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $49,669 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $75,557 | B |
| Teacher Education | $50,385 | C |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $55,778 | D |
| Marketing | $76,373 | C+ |
| Computer Science | $93,438 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $73,176 | B |
| Mechanical Engineering | $86,999 | B |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $57,697 | F |
| Communication and Media Studies | $55,109 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Northern Illinois University is $13,248/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,391/year, or roughly $53,564 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,126/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $21,834/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,162 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $235 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $57,808 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.56 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 71.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 74.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 68.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 74.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 69.8% |
| Enrollment | 11,301 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 47.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,060 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Illinois University (this school) | 66 | $13,391 | $57,808 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | 68 | $12,568 | $54,560 |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | 67 | $11,668 | $55,198 |
| Kean University | 61 | $12,447 | $57,237 |
| Eastern Illinois University | 54 | $12,786 | $51,989 |
| Chicago State University | 16 | $12,335 | $42,778 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Northern Illinois University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $13,391 per year leads to $53,564 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $57,808 a decade out. The payback period of 8.5 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows a 48.7% graduation rate.
Median debt of $22,162 against $57,808 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.