At $13,550/yr net price, Northeastern Illinois University graduates earn $52,234/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,234/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,550 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,234/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,234/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,600 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,691/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,769/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,777/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,805/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,771/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
16.8% of students at Northeastern Illinois University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Northeastern Illinois University delivers mixed financial returns with serious completion risks that overshadow its affordable pricing. The 16.8% graduation rate represents one of the lowest completion rates among four-year universities, meaning most students leave without a degree while still carrying debt.
Educational Administration stands out as the clear financial winner at $77,401 in median earnings, followed by teacher preparation programs that consistently deliver solid returns in the $56,000-$64,000 range. Computer Science also performs well at $56,544 with relatively low debt loads. These programs align with Chicago's strong demand for educators and tech workers.
The biggest financial risk at NEIU is not completing your degree. With a 61% first-year retention rate, many students transfer or drop out early. If you're not academically prepared or lack strong study habits, this school poses significant financial danger despite its low sticker price.
NEIU makes financial sense if you're pursuing education, already working and need flexibility, or transferring from community college with strong academic momentum. The $13,550 net price and $14,600 median debt load create manageable financial obligations for graduates who complete their programs.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, want a traditional college experience, or lack clear career direction. The low graduation rate suggests the school struggles to support students who need additional help succeeding.
As a public university serving Chicago's diverse population, NEIU offers need-based aid to over half its students. The school works best for focused, self-directed students who can handle the system independently and graduate on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeastern Illinois University worth the cost?
With a low net price of $13,550 and modest debt levels around $14,600, Northeastern Illinois University offers affordable access to higher education. However, the extremely low 16.8% graduation rate and median earnings of $52,234 after 10 years make the investment risky for many students.
What are the best paying programs at Northeastern Illinois University?
Educational Administration leads with $77,401 in median earnings, followed by Teacher Education at $63,997. These education-focused programs align with the university's strengths and offer better returns than the overall institutional average.
How much debt do Northeastern Illinois University graduates have?
The median debt load is relatively low at $14,600, making it manageable compared to national averages. This lower debt burden helps offset concerns about the modest post-graduation earning potential.
What is the graduation rate at Northeastern Illinois University?
Only 16.8% of students graduate from Northeastern Illinois University, which is extremely low by national standards. This poor completion rate represents the biggest risk factor when considering the school's value proposition.