Students at Northeastern Illinois University consistently earn far more than similar students at other institutions, with graduates seeing nearly $20,000 in additional earnings compared to expectations.
This strong earnings advantage combines with exceptional affordability to create meaningful value for families across all income levels.
Northeastern Illinois University serves as an accessible gateway to higher education in Chicago, with particularly strong outcomes for students who need both affordability and support. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, and about 51% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's mission to serve diverse communities throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Despite this broad access approach, graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that often exceed expectations.
The university's strength lies in its ability to help students from all backgrounds build toward stable careers. Ten-year median earnings of $52,234 represent meaningful economic progress, especially considering the affordable net prices that keep debt manageable. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention that larger research universities often cannot provide.
As a medium-sized public university, Northeastern Illinois offers the accessibility of an open-access institution with the academic rigor needed to prepare students for professional success. The combination of low net prices, strong support systems, and solid career outcomes makes it a practical choice for families seeking reliable return on investment without taking on excessive financial risk.
Northeastern Illinois University offers a focused program mix that emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields aligned with Chicago's job market. Computer Science leads in both enrollment and earnings outcomes, with 121 graduates earning a median of $56,544 ten years out, reflecting strong demand for technology skills in the metropolitan area. Business Administration also delivers solid returns, with graduates earning about $47,260 and benefiting from the university's connections to Chicago's diverse business community.
General Studies represents the university's largest program with 158 graduates, serving students who need flexibility in their academic path or are exploring multiple career options. While earnings are more modest at $33,604, this program provides valuable foundational skills and often serves as a stepping stone to more specialized career paths. Psychology graduates earn around $29,926, typical for a field that often requires additional training for higher-paying roles but provides strong preparation for graduate study or human services careers.
The university's program portfolio reflects its mission to serve working students and career changers who need practical, applicable skills. Strong employer relationships in the Chicago area help graduates transition effectively from classroom to workplace, contributing to the university's consistent pattern of graduates earning more than expected based on their academic preparation and backgrounds.
Graduates of Northeastern Illinois University achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that often exceed what similar students earn at comparable institutions. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $52,234, with the university showing particularly strong value-added performance—graduates earn nearly $20,000 more than expected based on their backgrounds and the institution's profile. This earnings advantage reflects the university's effectiveness in helping students translate their education into meaningful career progress.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Computer Science stands out as the highest aggregate return major, with 121 graduates earning a median of $56,544 ten years out, combining strong enrollment with solid pay. Business Administration graduates earn about $47,260, while the university's largest program, General Studies with 158 graduates, leads to median earnings of $33,604. Psychology graduates typically earn around $29,926, reflecting the field's emphasis on foundational skills that often require additional training for higher-paying roles.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused fields that connect directly to Chicago's job market. Students benefit from the university's urban location and strong employer relationships, which help translate classroom learning into real-world opportunities. While earnings vary by major choice, the consistent pattern of graduates outperforming expectations suggests that Northeastern Illinois provides effective preparation across its academic programs.
Northeastern Illinois University delivers exceptional affordability across all income levels, making higher education accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay just $10,691 per year after aid, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families see annual costs around $15,777. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $21,771, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education affordable for all students.
Debt levels remain highly manageable for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $14,600 in federal loan debt, significantly lower than national averages, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $13,895. The university's strong financial aid programs help students cover substantial portions of their costs through grants and work-study rather than relying heavily on borrowing.
What makes Northeastern Illinois particularly sustainable is how comfortably graduates can manage their debt obligations. With median earnings of $52,234 ten years after enrollment, most borrowers can handle standard repayment without financial strain. The combination of low borrowing levels and solid post-graduation earnings creates a financial foundation that allows graduates to build wealth rather than struggle with debt payments throughout their careers.
Northeastern Illinois University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
