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Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois · Public

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$46,113

Acceptance Rate

71%

Graduation Rate

51%

Annual Tuition

$12,700

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry — 7% above the national median. Acceptance rate 70.5%, in-state tuition $12,700.

At a Glance

Total Students

11,277

Retention Rate

70%

Faculty Ratio

14

Financial Aid

49%

Median Debt

$22,162

Campus Setting

Suburban

Institution Type

Public

Institution Overview

Northern Illinois University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 70.5%. The university enrolls 11,277 students. The retention rate is 70.4%, and the graduation rate is 51.3%. The median debt for students is $22,162, and 48.9% of students receive financial aid.

The in-state tuition at Northern Illinois University is $12,700. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $45,902. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $46,113, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $57,808.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$46k

1 YEAR

$46k

5 YEARS

$58k

10 YEARS

Top 47% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Northern Illinois University alumni earn a median of $45,902. Five years after graduation, median earnings are $46,113. Ten years after graduation, median earnings rise to $57,808. The median debt for graduates is $22,162. Nearly half of the students, 48.9%, receive financial aid.

Northern Illinois University has a 70.5% acceptance rate. The graduation rate is 51.3%, and the retention rate is 70.4%. The in-state tuition is $12,700. The total student population is 11,277.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 320 / yr
Median Salary $85,140

Accounting and Related Services

Graduates 268 / yr
Median Salary $71,477

Psychology, General

Graduates 215 / yr
Median Salary $86,837

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduates 190 / yr
Median Salary $107,425

Marketing

Graduates 172 / yr
Median Salary $51,137

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 172 / yr
Median Salary $38,490

Health/Medical Preparatory Programs

Graduates 157 / yr
Median Salary $31,899

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 141 / yr
Median Salary $96,253

Biology, General

Graduates 136 / yr
Median Salary $46,541

Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

Graduates 124 / yr
Median Salary $48,734

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Graduates 109 / yr
Median Salary $58,494

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 108 / yr
Median Salary $44,214

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Graduates 104 / yr
Median Salary $74,442

Engineering Technology, General

Graduates 101 / yr
Median Salary $62,117

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

Graduates 92 / yr
Median Salary $51,128

Finance and Financial Management Services

Graduates 91 / yr
Median Salary $54,802

Political Science and Government

Graduates 91 / yr
Median Salary $32,225

Fine and Studio Arts

Graduates 87 / yr
Median Salary $26,795

Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Graduates 87 / yr
Median Salary $39,864

Special Education and Teaching

Graduates 87 / yr
Median Salary $60,274

English Language and Literature, General

Graduates 85 / yr
Median Salary $43,753

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Graduates 83 / yr
Median Salary $72,505

Educational Administration and Supervision

Graduates 82 / yr
Median Salary $63,264

Industrial Engineering

Graduates 81 / yr
Median Salary $72,112

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Campus Location

Dekalb, Illinois

Dekalb, IL 60115-2828

Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, Illinois. The campus is in a suburban setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70.5%.