Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University admits 70.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 7 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Northern Illinois University in the moderately selective category, providing reasonable admission odds for qualified students while maintaining academic standards.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates Northern Illinois University is somewhat more selective than typical four-year public institutions, with admission standards approximately 7.6 percentage points more competitive than peer institutions. This level of selectivity means that students with solid academic records and college preparatory coursework have favorable chances of admission, though the university does maintain standards that require demonstration of college readiness.

Students should approach Northern Illinois University as an accessible option while ensuring their academic preparation aligns with university expectations. The moderate selectivity allows students to treat Northern Illinois University as a match or safety school in most cases, particularly for students with academic credentials above average levels.

For students building balanced college lists, Northern Illinois University provides a solid foundation with reasonable admission expectations while offering strong post-graduation outcomes and economic mobility potential. Applicants should focus on demonstrating college readiness and alignment with the university's diverse program offerings rather than exceptional academic credentials.

Northern Illinois University's published cost of attendance reaches $27,214 annually, including $12,700 in tuition, $12,800 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,909 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,305 through institutional and federal aid programs.

This net price positions Northern Illinois University $2,681 higher than the peer median of $15,590, though the difference remains modest given the institution's outcomes profile. The university's financial aid structure demonstrates strong commitment to affordability, with aid covering more than half of published costs for the average student.

Northern Illinois University's cost structure reflects typical public university pricing, though financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income level. Students should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as the substantial financial aid savings create more manageable costs for most families.

The university's location in Illinois provides in-state tuition benefits for residents, though out-of-state pricing remains identical at $12,700, indicating Northern Illinois University does not differentiate tuition by residency status. This approach supports accessibility for students from neighboring states and reflects the institution's regional service mission and commitment to broad educational access.

Northern Illinois University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth and consistent career advancement over time. Median earnings rise from $46,113 six years after enrollment to $51,305 at eight years and $57,808 at ten years, representing 25.4% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on substantial cohort sizes of 7,040 graduates at the ten-year mark, providing high confidence in reported figures. The institution generates $24,393 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 95.9th percentile nationally and reflecting excellent-tier performance in value creation.

Low-income graduates earn $46,300, demonstrating Northern Illinois University's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for Pell-eligible students. Earnings span from $37,890 at the 25th percentile to $83,290 at the 75th percentile, with a 2.2:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 23.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The consistent earnings growth pattern, combined with substantial value creation relative to expectations, positions Northern Illinois University graduates for sustained career advancement across diverse fields.

Northern Illinois University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Applied Engineering Technologies ranks #4 nationally and #1 in Illinois, producing 101 graduates with median earnings of $74,294 and an exceptional value score of 86.4.

Health/Medical Preparatory Programs ranks #4 nationally and #1 in Illinois, graduating 157 students with median earnings of $47,850. Accounting Technology ranks #36 nationally and #3 in Illinois, with 171 graduates earning $73,170 and a strong value score of 87.3.

Business Administration and Management ranks #114 nationally and #3 in Illinois, graduating 174 students with median earnings of $63,809. Communication and Media Studies ranks #58 nationally and #3 in Illinois, with 164 graduates earning $50,527.

Computer Science produces 134 graduates annually with median earnings of $79,236, reflecting strong student demand in technology fields. Psychology represents the largest program by enrollment with 188 graduates, demonstrating Northern Illinois University's comprehensive program mix serving diverse career interests and academic backgrounds.