Economicsat Northern Illinois University
Graduates earn $45,386/yr in their first year — about 16.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $655K; scenarios range from $577K to $674K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Northern Illinois University
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Northern Illinois University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Economics
How Northern Illinois University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Northern Illinois University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Northern Illinois University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at Northern Illinois University
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.