Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 17.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 16.8%
- Retention Rate
- 61.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $52,234
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,600
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $155/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $77,401 | $16,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $63,997 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $56,544 | $13,070 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $56,415 | $13,262 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $52,941 | $24,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $51,273 | $30,296 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $50,105 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $15,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $14,750 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,407 | $11,875 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $45,500 | |
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other. | Bachelor | $45,383 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $45,128 | $15,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,240 | $13,350 |
Outcomes Overview
Northeastern Illinois graduates earn a median of $52,234 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 28% based on the typical $14,600 in student loans. Monthly payments of $155 represent about 3.6% of gross income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's focus on education, social work, and business programs feeds into Chicago's diverse job market, with 93.8% of graduates finding employment. Many alumni work in public service, healthcare administration, and nonprofit sectors where steady middle-class salaries are common. With relatively low debt and decent earning potential in affordable Chicago, Northeastern Illinois delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation.