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Return on Investment Analysis

Northern Illinois University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Northern Illinois University costs about $50,800 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $46,113 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.6 years (20-year ROI: 338%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$50,800

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$11,113/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

4.6 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

338%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Northern Illinois University's in-state tuition costs $12,700. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $45,902. Five years after graduation, earnings are $46,113, and ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $57,808. The median debt for students is $22,162, and 48.9% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings, is approximately 0.48. This indicates that the median debt is about half of the graduates' annual income one year after graduation.

To calculate the break-even point, we can divide the median debt by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. This calculation suggests a break-even timeline of approximately 0.7 years.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$12,700

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,162

Median Earnings (5yr)

$46,113

Graduation Rate

51%

Receive Financial Aid

49%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $50,800 $111,286 2903%
Accounting and Related Services $50,800 $81,321 1724%
Psychology, General $50,800 $76,857 1548%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $50,800 $104,614 2641%
Marketing $50,800 $59,336 858%
Communication and Media Studies $50,800 $50,527 511%
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $50,800 $47,850 406%
Mechanical Engineering $50,800 $87,635 1972%
Biology, General $50,800 $48,556 434%
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $50,800 $55,371 702%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $50,800 $59,876 879%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $50,800 $43,091 219%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $50,800 $79,921 1669%
Engineering Technology, General $50,800 $74,294 1447%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $50,800 $60,593 908%
Finance and Financial Management Services $50,800 $66,930 1157%
Political Science and Government $50,800 $53,370 623%
Fine and Studio Arts $50,800 $39,327 70%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $50,800 $58,643 831%
Special Education and Teaching $50,800 $57,447 784%
English Language and Literature, General $50,800 $57,680 793%
Computer and Information Sciences, General $50,800 $0 N/A
Educational Administration and Supervision $50,800 $143,908 4188%
Industrial Engineering $50,800 $76,872 1549%

Peer Comparison

Northern Illinois University Current

338%

20yr ROI

University of Oregon

254%

20yr ROI

Dakota State University

479%

20yr ROI

CUNY York College

658%

20yr ROI

Longwood University

264%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$50,800
Median Debt$22,162

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$50,800

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Northern Illinois University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 338%. The total 4-year cost is $50,800 and graduates earn a median of $46,113 within 5 years.

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

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