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70.7%Acceptance
$12,700Tuition
11,277Students
50%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$57,808Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$12,700
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,700
Average Net Price
$12,909
Students Receiving Financial Aid
45.6%
Room & Board (On Campus)
$12,800
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$12,800
Books & Supplies
$1,300
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,162
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$235/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
60.1%
Students Taking Federal Loans
48.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
45.6%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $9,047
$30,001 – $48,000 $9,740
$48,001 – $75,000 $12,674
$75,001 – $110,000 $17,806
$110,001+ $21,307

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Most families pay far less than the $26,800 sticker price at Northern Illinois. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,047 annually after aid, while those from families earning over $110,000 pay $21,307. The four-year total ranges from about $36,000 to $85,000 depending on family income. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, reflecting the university's accessibility to working-class families.

Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,162, translating to monthly payments of $235. With median earnings of $57,808 ten years after graduation, loan payments represent about 5% of income for typical graduates. The 60% loan repayment rate suggests some students struggle financially post-graduation. In-state students get the best deal here since 93% of enrollment comes from Illinois and everyone pays the same tuition rate regardless of residency.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from Northern Illinois University:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.