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Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Visit Website

Northern Illinois University's main campus is located in DeKalb, Illinois, a setting that provides a traditional college town atmosphere. While NIU is a large university, it fosters a close-knit community, particularly within its various colleges and departments. As a Division I school in the Mid-American Conference, athletics are a significant part of the campus culture, and the university also maintains satellite centers throughout northern Illinois.

Programs Analyzed

Avg Grad Earnings

$45,000/yr

Avg DegreeOutlook Score

52/100

Tuition (Sticker Price)

$12,700/yr

Financial Aid & Net Price

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, by family income. 46% of students receive Pell Grants and 49% take federal loans.

Family Income	Avg Net Price/yr	4-Year Net Cost	Net-Price ROI
$0 – $30K	$9,047	$36,188	12.4x
$30K – $48K	$9,740	$38,960	11.6x
$48K – $75K	$12,674	$50,696	8.9x
$75K – $110K	$17,806	$71,224	6.3x
$110K+	$21,307	$85,228	5.3x
Sticker price (no aid)	$12,700	$50,800	8.9x

Net price = tuition + fees + room & board minus grants and scholarships. ROI = average 10-year graduate earnings ÷ 4-year net cost. Source: IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey via College Scorecard.

All Programs at Northern Illinois University

40 degree programs ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any program for full AI scenario analysis and 10-year earnings projections.

Program	DW Score	Earnings	AI Risk	ROI
Computer Science Compare across schools	83	$77,257/yr	Very High	15.9x
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Compare across schools	83	$75,557/yr	High	14.5x
Accounting and Related Services Compare across schools	81	$63,743/yr	Very High	15.4x
Finance and Financial Management Services Compare across schools	78	$54,802/yr	Very High	14.6x
Business Administration Compare across schools	74	$52,724/yr	High	14.0x
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Compare across schools	73	$51,128/yr	Very High	11.9x
Electrical Compare across schools	71	$74,442/yr	Very High	16.0x
Industrial Engineering Compare across schools	70	$72,112/yr	High	16.5x
Mechanical Engineering Compare across schools	70	$68,069/yr	Very High	16.1x
Economics Compare across schools	67	$45,386/yr	Very High	12.6x
Marketing Compare across schools	65	$51,137/yr	Very High	12.4x
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research Compare across schools	64	$70,654/yr	Moderate	12.6x
Engineering Technology, General Compare across schools	63	$62,117/yr	High	15.8x
Teacher Education Compare across schools	62	$45,184/yr	High	9.5x
Mathematics Compare across schools	61	$44,857/yr	Very High	13.5x
Chemistry Compare across schools	58	$43,061/yr	High	11.3x
Teacher Education Compare across schools	57	$44,214/yr	High	8.5x
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Compare across schools	56	$41,139/yr	Moderate	10.4x
Special Education and Teaching Compare across schools	52	$46,578/yr	High	10.2x
Biology, General Compare across schools	50	$38,137/yr	High	11.6x
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Compare across schools	49	$54,047/yr	High	9.6x
Political Science and Government Compare across schools	47	$32,225/yr	Very High	10.9x
History Compare across schools	45	$33,288/yr	High	9.6x
Communication and Media Studies Compare across schools	44	$38,490/yr	High	10.2x
Romance Languages & Literatures Compare across schools	43	$40,586/yr	Very High	9.5x
Hospitality Administration/Management Compare across schools	42	$32,337/yr	High	5.4x
Sociology Compare across schools	40	$35,150/yr	High	8.8x
Health and Physical Education/Fitness Compare across schools	40	$32,158/yr	Moderate	9.1x
Psychology, General Compare across schools	38	$33,150/yr	High	8.3x
Human Development & Family Studies Compare across schools	37	$28,342/yr	High	8.0x
Music Compare across schools	35	$42,830/yr	High	5.2x
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Compare across schools	35	$36,409/yr	High	8.6x
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Compare across schools	34	$34,136/yr	High	9.6x
English Language and Literature, General Compare across schools	32	$34,122/yr	Very High	7.7x
Journalism Compare across schools	30	$31,753/yr	Very High	8.3x
Human Services, General Compare across schools	29	$29,062/yr	Moderate	8.2x
Fine and Studio Arts Compare across schools	29	$26,795/yr	Moderate	7.1x
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Compare across schools	28	$29,911/yr	High	9.3x
Liberal Arts and Sciences Compare across schools	27	$29,426/yr	Low	9.0x
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Compare across schools	23	$23,517/yr	Moderate	6.5x

Compare any program at Northern Illinois University with another school. Use the comparison tool →

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →