Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University prices accessibly across the income spectrum, reflecting its identity as an urban public institution serving a broad, cost-sensitive student population. Low-income families pay approximately $13,709 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $15,077, and higher-income families pay correspondingly more at roughly $25,001.

Azimuth ranks Northeastern Illinois University #117 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. The university's public-tuition structure and need-based aid programs keep net prices well below the published cost of attendance of $26,960 for most families, and the gap between sticker price and what students actually pay is a meaningful part of the [net price illusion](/analysis/is-college-worth-it-part-1-the-net-price-illusion/) that families should understand before comparing costs across institutions.

Need-based aid plays a central role in how Northeastern Illinois University serves its predominantly low- and middle-income student body. The university participates in federal Pell Grant, Direct Loan, and state grant programs, and its aid mix is oriented toward students who demonstrate financial need rather than merit-based scholarships.

Families applying through the FAFSA can expect aid packages that reduce out-of-pocket costs substantially, particularly at lower income levels. The relatively narrow spread between low-income and middle-income net prices reflects the institution's commitment to broad access, though families at higher income levels will find less institutional grant support available.

Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $14,600, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $13,578; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $60,607, median federal debt of $14,600 projects to a monthly payment of about $165 under standard ten-year repayment.

For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).

Graduates of Northeastern Illinois University earn median 4-year earnings of $60,607, placing Northeastern Illinois University in the 45.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $6,812 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 80.4 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Azimuth ranks Northeastern Illinois University #624 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major.

Computer Science reports 111 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $88,917, ranked #119 nationally in its major. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods reports 109 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $52,176, ranked #62 nationally in its major.

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities reports 106 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $55,569, ranked #58 nationally in its major. Social Work reports 96 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $53,848, ranked #53 nationally in its major.