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 runs a low-cost, low-completion model, and that combination defines your financial risk. The net price sits under $14,000 a year and median debt at graduation is modest, so the price tag is not the problem. The 16.80% graduation rate is. Fewer than one in five students finish, and the 61% retention rate means nearly 40% of first-year students don't come back. If you leave with loans but no degree, you get the debt without the $52,234 median earnings that come from finishing.
The degrees that pay off here are concentrated. Computer science graduates clear $56,544, the highest on campus and enough to justify the cost quickly given the low debt load. Special education and teacher education land in the low $50,000s, which fits Chicago's steady demand for licensed teachers and public-sector pay scales. Business majors trail at roughly $47,000 while carrying the highest debt of the top programs, so the return there is thinner. Nothing on the list pays poorly, but the gap between computer science and business is real money over time.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay about $10,700. over $110,000, you pay closer to $21,800. That progression makes NEIU cheapest for the families who can least afford risk.
This school fits you if you're a Chicago-area student aiming for computer science or teaching, you can commit to finishing, and you want a low price near home. Look elsewhere if you're unsure you'll graduate or if you're chasing high business earnings, because the completion odds here turn a cheap degree into an expensive gamble.
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.