Dekalb, IL · Private University
Is Northern Illinois University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$57,808
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,700
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,700
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$50,800
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.55x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
49.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,162
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$12,909
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Northern Illinois University graduates earn $12,808 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 Northern Illinois University ranked by graduate earnings
76 graduates
195 graduates
173 graduates
18 graduates
126 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Northern 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 Northern Illinois University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering: $79,921) and the lowest (Music: $25,600) is $54,321/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications EngineeringBest ROI | $79,921 | 6.3x |
| Computer Science | $79,236 | 6.2x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $78,194 | 6.2x |
| Industrial Engineering | $76,872 | 6.0x |
| Engineering Technology, General | $74,294 | 5.8x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $73,170 | 5.8x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $71,507 | 5.6x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $66,930 | 5.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $63,809 | 5.0x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $63,491 | 5.0x |
| Economics | $63,359 | 5.0x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $60,593 | 4.8x |
| Mathematics | $59,728 | 4.7x |
| Marketing | $59,336 | 4.7x |
| Chemistry | $56,116 | 4.4x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering(1yr data) | $54,047 | 4.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $53,370 | 4.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $50,527 | 4.0x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $49,485 | 3.9x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $49,420 | 3.9x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $48,777 | 3.8x |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $48,703 | 3.8x |
| Biology, General | $48,556 | 3.8x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $48,131 | 3.8x |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $47,850 | 3.8x |
| History | $47,669 | 3.8x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $47,528 | 3.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $46,351 | 3.6x |
| Sociology | $43,474 | 3.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $43,091 | 3.4x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,029 | 3.4x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $42,120 | 3.3x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $42,069 | 3.3x |
| Psychology, General | $41,119 | 3.2x |
| Human Services, General | $39,783 | 3.1x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $38,803 | 3.1x |
| Journalism | $38,341 | 3.0x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $37,003 | 2.9x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $33,587 | 2.6x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management(1yr data) | $32,337 | 2.5x |
| MusicLowest | $25,600 | 2.0x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Northern Illinois University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $57,808 10 years after starting, $12,808 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.2 years, faster than most colleges.
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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.