Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, Illinois · Public · 69.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 66/100 · Fair Value
Northern Illinois University (NIU) scores 66 (Fair Value) -- a headline that masks significant program variation at a 11,301-student regional public in DeKalb, IL. Median 6-year earnings of $39,400, an 8.5-year payback, and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.562 are adequate for a mid-tier Midwest public. The completion rate of 48.7% is below average -- barely half of students graduate. The 74.2% three-year repayment rate is decent. In-state tuition of $13,248 and net price of $13,391 are competitive; the Pell grant rate of 47.3% reflects one of the higher lower-income enrollments among Illinois public universities. Scorecard does not report SAT or ACT ranges for NIU in this data. Program-level data shows Computer Science (110 graduates, B+, $77,257 year-one), Nursing (153 graduates, B, $75,557), Electrical Engineering (41 graduates, B+, $74,442), and Accounting (83 graduates, B+, $63,743) as strong performers with DTR ratios under 0.42. At the opposite end: Drama/Theatre (F-grade, DTR 1.148), Human Development (F-grade, DTR 1.094), and Liberal Arts (F-grade, DTR 1.048) all carry year-one earnings well below $32,000. NIU's location -- 65 miles from Chicago -- creates real labor market access that the Scorecard median incompletely reflects for completers who enter the metro job market.
Northern Illinois University
Quick 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).
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.
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 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $10,126 per year at NIU; the $30,001-48,000 bracket pays $9,854 -- among the lowest in the Midwest for a four-year public. Over four years, roughly $39,000-$40,000. The Pell grant support at NIU is meaningful. For low-income students who complete in CS, nursing, or accounting, the return is exceptional. The 48.7% completion rate is the central risk: non-completion with debt is a significantly worse outcome for financially constrained students.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-75,000 bracket pays $12,797; the $75,001-110,000 bracket pays $17,612. The aid taper is pronounced at the upper-middle level. At $17,600 per year, NIU is still competitive for strong-returning programs. Middle-income families should focus on program-specific outcomes rather than the institutional average when evaluating the investment.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families over $110,000 pay $21,834 per year. NIU's in-state tuition is set uniformly at $13,248 regardless of residency, which is unusual. At $22k net price, NIU is affordable for high-income families targeting CS, engineering, or business. The completion rate is the only meaningful risk at this price for families with resources to support degree completion.
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.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer Science
Computer Science (110 graduates) earns $77,257 year-one and $93,438 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.297 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $22,966 is low for these earnings. CS at NIU provides Chicago metro access: the technology sector in and around Chicago is substantial, and the NIU credential travels well in that market. B+ is the right grade -- strong outcomes at public school price.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (153 graduates) earns $75,557 year-one (four-year not reported by Scorecard), debt-to-earnings ratio 0.410 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $31,000 is higher than most nursing programs in this dataset, which pulls the grade from B+ to B. Illinois nursing market demand is strong. Graduates at $75k year-one against $31k debt is still a defensible financial position; the elevated debt reflects NIU's cost structure relative to some peers.
Accounting
Accounting (83 graduates) earns $63,743 year-one and $83,573 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.290 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $18,500 is very low for these earnings. Accounting at NIU produces strong outcomes for a regional Illinois public; public accounting in Chicago and suburban markets is robust. The B+ grade reflects both the earnings and the notably low debt load.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (109 graduates) earns $52,724 year-one and $73,176 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.427 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $22,500 is manageable. B grade reflects solid outcomes for a regional public; $52k starting in the Chicago area is competitive for a business generalist. Four-year trajectory to $73k is consistent with mid-level management progression.
Psychology
Psychology (211 graduates) earns $33,150 year-one and $49,669 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.730 (ROI grade D). Median debt of $24,194 against $33k starting is strained. The D-grade reflects the structural gap: clinical and counseling careers require graduate credentials, and NIU psychology graduates entering the workforce directly face a difficult early-career period relative to their debt. The four-year number does not improve without additional credentials.
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 |
NIU admits 69.8% of applicants. Scorecard does not report test score ranges for this institution. The 48.7% completion rate is the central risk factor: not completing at NIU with debt is a materially worse outcome than the strong program-level data for completers suggests. Students who enroll with a clear program target and financial plan have very different outcomes than the institutional average.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
NIU's peer set includes Chicago State, Eastern Illinois, Kean University, Indiana University Indianapolis, and Florida Gulf Coast. Among Illinois public regionals, NIU's 66 score places it above the state access colleges but below the flagship and research campuses. Eastern Illinois is a smaller comparable with lower enrollment and similar completion challenges. NIU's proximity to Chicago creates labor market access that peers in more rural locations lack. The Pell-heavy student body and below-average completion rate are institutional characteristics that peer comparisons should account for.
| 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 |
Who Thrives Here
NIU admits 69.8% of applicants. Scorecard does not report SAT or ACT ranges for this institution. At 11,301 students, NIU is mid-sized with a strong commuter and regional student population. The 47.3% Pell grant rate is among the highest in Illinois for a four-year public. Students targeting computer science, engineering, nursing, accounting, or business finance find outcomes competitive with many more expensive alternatives. Students in arts, humanities, and social science tracks face a harder path. The DeKalb campus is suburban but Chicago is accessible for internships and employment.
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.
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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.