Northeastern Illinois University
Northeastern Illinois University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Northeastern Illinois University Worth It?
At a value score of 17/100, Northeastern Illinois University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,234 — 3% below average — while paying $14,109/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 18% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Northeastern Illinois University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Northeastern Illinois University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #140 of 144 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #5 | Shasta College | 89 | $2,878 | $39,269 |
| #6 | Northwest Florida State College | 88 | $4,571 | $39,664 |
| #140 | Northeastern Illinois University | 17 | $14,109 | $52,234 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Northeastern Illinois University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in IL.
Best Programs at Northeastern Illinois University
The highest-earning program at Northeastern Illinois University is Computer Science at $55,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Fine and Studio Arts at $25,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Northeastern Illinois University earns $55,200, while a Fine and Studio Arts graduate earns $25,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,109/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $55,200 | $55,200 | $16,692 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,900 | $44,900 | $15,733 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $44,600 | $44,600 | $17,750 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $44,500 | $44,500 | $13,750 |
| Mathematics | $42,700 | $42,700 | $11,333 |
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other | $41,900 | $41,900 | $12,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $40,600 | $40,600 | $15,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,700 | $37,700 | $18,219 |
| Economics | $36,000 | $36,000 | $15,000 |
| Marketing | $34,900 | $34,900 | $17,585 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $32,400 | $32,400 | $14,975 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,300 | $32,300 | $14,031 |
| Political Science and Government | $32,100 | $32,100 | $20,564 |
| Biology, General | $31,600 | $31,600 | $12,500 |
| Social Work | $31,200 | $31,200 | $13,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $30,200 | $30,200 | $15,000 |
| Sociology | $29,700 | $29,700 | $15,000 |
| Psychology, General | $29,400 | $29,400 | $13,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $29,400 | $29,400 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $29,200 | $29,200 | $14,574 |
| History | $27,600 | $27,600 | $22,407 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $25,500 | $25,500 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Student Body
- 3,982 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 18%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,109
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,234
- Median Student Debt
- $14,600