Chicago, IL · Private University
Is Northeastern Illinois University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$52,234
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,383
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,726
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$90,904
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.30x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
16.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$14,600
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$13,550
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Northeastern Illinois University graduates earn $7,234 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Northeastern Illinois University ranked by graduate earnings
159 graduates
47 graduates
23 graduates
75 graduates
29 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Northeastern Illinois University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Northeastern Illinois University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $78,244) and the lowest (Sociology: $36,554) is $41,690/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $78,244 | 3.4x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $67,572 | 3.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas(1yr data) | $63,615 | 2.8x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $60,783 | 2.7x |
| Economics | $55,396 | 2.4x |
| Marketing | $54,120 | 2.4x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $53,725 | 2.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,149 | 2.3x |
| Biology, General | $52,784 | 2.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $51,537 | 2.3x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,801 | 2.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $50,486 | 2.2x |
| Human Resources Management and Services(1yr data) | $49,131 | 2.2x |
| Social Work | $44,094 | 1.9x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $43,379 | 1.9x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $43,277 | 1.9x |
| Political Science and Government | $43,267 | 1.9x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $42,769 | 1.9x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $41,581 | 1.8x |
| History | $41,203 | 1.8x |
| Psychology, General | $40,998 | 1.8x |
| SociologyLowest | $36,554 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Northeastern Illinois University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $52,234 10 years after starting, $7,234 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.3 years, faster than most colleges.
Ready to apply to Northeastern Illinois University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.