At $12,909/yr net price, Northern Illinois University graduates earn $57,808/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,808/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,909 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,636 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,808/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,808/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,162 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,047/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,740/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,674/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,806/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,307/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $98,186 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $91,587 | $32,950 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $88,920 | $44,065 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $86,867 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $84,913 | |
| Taxation. | Master | $78,971 | |
| Computer Science. | Master | $75,204 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $70,009 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,151 | $61,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $68,499 |
The Risk Factor
49.6% of students at Northern Illinois University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northern Illinois University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for specific programs but concerning overall graduation rates that limit your earning potential.
The education programs stand out financially. Educational Administration graduates earn $98,186 annually, making this one of the state's better bets for school leadership careers. Curriculum and Instruction also pays well at $84,913. These programs leverage NIU's established connections with Chicago-area school districts.
Business Administration offers solid returns at $91,587, though you'll carry above-average debt at $32,950. Mechanical Engineering provides good value with strong earnings and reasonable debt loads. Nursing graduates earn $88,920 but face steep debt of $44,065, requiring careful financial planning.
The biggest risk at NIU is the 49.6% graduation rate. Half of students never finish their degrees, losing both time and money. The 70.4% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially in their first year.
NIU works best financially if you're committed to education careers, can handle the academic demands, and want to stay in Illinois. The low net price of $12,909 makes it affordable compared to other state universities. Skip NIU if you need extensive academic support, want prestige for competitive job markets, or prefer programs outside education and business.
Financial aid reaches fewer than half of students, so don't count on need-based help. Merit scholarships exist but aren't guaranteed. Your best strategy is choosing a high-earning program and completing your degree within four years to maximize the return on your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Illinois University worth the money?
Northern Illinois University offers decent value with a low net price of $12,909 annually and moderate debt levels around $22,000. However, the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the highest paying majors at Northern Illinois University?
Educational administration leads at $98,000 annually, followed by business management at $91,000 and nursing at $89,000. Engineering and education programs generally provide the strongest earnings potential at NIU.
How much debt do Northern Illinois University graduates have?
NIU graduates carry a median debt of $22,162, which is manageable compared to the national average. With average earnings of $57,808 ten years after graduation, most graduates can handle this debt load.
Does Northern Illinois University have a good return on investment?
NIU provides mixed ROI results - the affordable tuition and reasonable debt levels help, but the low graduation rate and modest post-graduation earnings limit overall value. Students in education, business, and healthcare programs see the best financial outcomes.