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Economics at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $45,386/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 12.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #164 of 351 Economics programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Economics graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$674K	$655K	$577K
Earnings Multiple	13.3x	12.9x	11.4x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	68	67	64

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$50,800

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,636

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,976

6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$69,275

53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $45,386/yr fall 16% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 12.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,976 against $45,386/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #164 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Northern Illinois University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $45,386-to-$69,275 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University has a 70% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 11,277 students in Dekalb, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

Economists $115,440/yr

View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Illinois University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Northern Illinois University?

At 67/100, Northern Illinois University's Economics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Northern Illinois University?

The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Northern Illinois University a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Northern Illinois University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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