About Northeastern Illinois University
This full university has built its reputation around serving Chicago's diverse working population and first-generation college students. With 3,869 students, Northeastern Illinois offers the flexibility that adult learners need in a large city setting. The school's semester system and practical approach to education make it a bridge to opportunity for students who might not otherwise attend college.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,691 after aid, making this one of Chicago's most affordable pathways to a degree. Even middle-income families pay reasonable amounts, with net prices ranging from $12,769 to $21,771 depending on income. Graduates earn a median of $52,234 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $14,600. Monthly loan payments average only $155, which most graduates can handle given the strong 93.8% employment rate.
The student body reflects Chicago's diversity, with 51.54% Hispanic students and a majority female enrollment at 57.28%. Nearly all students are from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the low graduation rates of 16.80% over six years suggest students often take longer to finish as they balance work and family responsibilities.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,691 after aid, making this one of Chicago's most affordable pathways to a degree. Even middle-income families pay reasonable amounts, with net prices ranging from $12,769 to $21,771 depending on income. Graduates earn a median of $52,234 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $14,600. Monthly loan payments average only $155, which most graduates can handle given the strong 93.8% employment rate.
The student body reflects Chicago's diversity, with 51.54% Hispanic students and a majority female enrollment at 57.28%. Nearly all students are from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the low graduation rates of 16.80% over six years suggest students often take longer to finish as they balance work and family responsibilities.
Academics & Faculty
Northeastern Illinois University operates as a public full university serving Chicago's diverse working population. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention, though the 17.72% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality of students balancing work and family obligations. This institution specializes in education, business, and social work programs designed for flexibility. Many students attend part-time while working full-time jobs. The university has built its reputation around serving first-generation college students and adult learners who need evening and weekend classes. With 51.54% Hispanic enrollment, NEIU has become a crucial pathway for Latino students pursuing higher education in Chicago. Academic support services target the unique challenges faced by non-traditional students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 17.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 16.8%
- Retention Rate
- 61.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,234
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $77,401 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $63,997 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $56,544 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $56,415 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $52,941 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $51,273 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $50,105 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
Campus Life
Northeastern Illinois University sits in the North Park neighborhood, about 12 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The 67-acre campus houses only 426 students in residence halls, meaning just 11% of the 3,869 students live on campus. Most students commute from across the Chicago area, with 97.62% coming from Illinois.
Chicago winters demand heavy coats and boots, with temperatures often below freezing from December through February. Spring and fall offer mild weather, while summers can be humid and warm. The diverse student body reflects the city itself, with 51.54% Hispanic students and significant representation across ethnic groups. Weekend life centers around the city rather than campus traditions. Students often head to Chicago's neighborhoods for entertainment, jobs, or family commitments. The Golden Eagles compete in athletics, but the commuter nature means school spirit builds more around academic programs than sports. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where working adults and first-generation students can build relationships with professors who understand their busy schedules.
Chicago winters demand heavy coats and boots, with temperatures often below freezing from December through February. Spring and fall offer mild weather, while summers can be humid and warm. The diverse student body reflects the city itself, with 51.54% Hispanic students and significant representation across ethnic groups. Weekend life centers around the city rather than campus traditions. Students often head to Chicago's neighborhoods for entertainment, jobs, or family commitments. The Golden Eagles compete in athletics, but the commuter nature means school spirit builds more around academic programs than sports. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where working adults and first-generation students can build relationships with professors who understand their busy schedules.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 426 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1867
Campus Safety (2023)
20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–31°F
- July Avg
- 67°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.4"
Student Demographics
Northeastern Illinois draws heavily from Chicago's diverse communities, with Hispanic students making up over half the student body and nearly all students coming from in-state. The 54% Pell Grant rate reflects the university's mission to serve first-generation college students and working families who need affordable options. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, likely reflecting strong programs in education and social services. The small enrollment of under 4,000 students creates an intimate environment where the university can focus on supporting students who might struggle at larger institutions.
- Men
- 42.7%
- Women
- 57.3%
- White
- 17.2%
- Black
- 10.1%
- Hispanic
- 51.5%
- Asian
- 8.2%
- In-State Students
- 97.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 53.8%
Location
Northeastern Illinois University sits in Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States. The campus serves a metropolitan area of nearly 10 million residents. Chicago's diverse neighborhoods surround the university, reflecting the school's student body where 51.54% of students are Hispanic and 97.62% come from in-state. The city offers internships and job opportunities across finance, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Students have access to strong museums, professional sports teams, and cultural venues throughout the Midwest's largest urban center. The university's location provides affordable urban education without the premium costs of coastal cities. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Northeastern Illinois University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60625-4699
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,234
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,675
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $155/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,600
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University accepts 62.70% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The university focuses on serving first-generation college students and working adults in Chicago's diverse communities.
How much does Northeastern Illinois University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,550 after aid, with 53.77% receiving financial assistance. The school keeps costs low for Chicago-area families, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,691 annually.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Northeastern Illinois University?
The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with small class sizes for personalized attention. This close mentoring particularly benefits the many first-generation college students who make up a significant portion of the 3,869 enrolled students.
What are the graduation rates at Northeastern Illinois University?
The four-year graduation rate is 17.72%, with a six-year rate of 16.80%. These lower rates reflect the university's mission of serving working adults and non-traditional students who often attend part-time while balancing jobs and family responsibilities.
Where do students live at Northeastern Illinois University?
The university has housing capacity for only 426 students, as 97.62% of students are from Illinois and many commute. Most students live off-campus in Chicago's neighborhoods, fitting the school's role as a commuter university serving the local community.
Is Northeastern Illinois University diverse?
The student body is 51.54% Hispanic, 17.16% white, 10.05% Black, and 8.17% Asian, making it one of the most diverse universities in Illinois. This diversity reflects the multicultural neighborhoods of Chicago that the Golden Eagles serve as an accessible, affordable option for higher education.
