Human Services at Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Services, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,062/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (26% exposed)
Job Market
Large (82,300 openings/yr)
ROI
10.1x earnings multiple
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Human Services graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $516K | $515K | $492K |
| Earnings Multiple | 10.2x | 10.1x | 9.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 68% | 57% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 30 | 29 | 44 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,762
61% growth from Year 1
About Northern Illinois University
A 70% acceptance rate means Northern Illinois University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 11,277 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
Social and community service managers
$78,240/yr
Community and social service specialists, all other
$54,940/yr
Social and human service assistants
$45,120/yr
Compare & Explore
Human Services at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northern Illinois University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Northern Illinois University's Human Services program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Human Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Human Services earnings lower at Northern Illinois University?
Lower starting pay at Northern Illinois University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →