Graduate earnings are in line with similar institutions.
What graduates earn 10 years after enrollment.
Annual salary at 10 years
Lower quartile earnings
Upper quartile earnings
How graduate earnings grow in the decade after enrollment.
Graduate earnings demonstrate steady upward progression over the post-graduation period. Median earnings begin at $43,801 six years after enrollment, advance to $47,923 at eight years, and reach $52,234 at ten years, representing 19.3% growth from the six-year measurement point.
How outcomes compare to similar institutions.
Graduate earnings align with peer institutions — outcomes are in line with similar schools.
Financial justification for the investment.
Excellent affordability. Median debt of $14,600 is well under annual earnings, enabling comfortable repayment.
Student debt outcomes at Northeastern Illinois University reflect the institution's commitment to affordability and responsible borrowing practices. Median debt reaches $14,600, ranking at the 86th percentile nationally for low debt levels and falling $6,505 below the peer median of $21,105.
Northeastern Illinois University demonstrates well above average return on investment, ranking at the 77.6th percentile nationally. The institution excels particularly in generating earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning $19,849 more than predicted based on student demographics and institutional characteristics.
Approximately 20.1% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study based on program mix analysis with high confidence. This continuation rat...
Program mix explains much of the earnings story.
Computer Science drives the strongest earnings outcomes at $78,244, followed by Business/Commerce General at $67,572 and Banking and Financial Support Services at $60,783. Biology General produces $52,784 while specialized programs like Adult and Continuing Education reach $50,486 with exceptional value metrics.
The earnings diversity across programs supports students with different career interests and aptitudes. Business and technology programs provide the highest earning potential, while education and social service fields offer solid middle-income pathways.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Earnings outcomes span from $32,480 at the 25th percentile to $75,431 at the 75th percentile, representing a 2.3:1 ratio that indicates substantial variation in career outcomes. Low-income graduates earn $39,300, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for disadvantaged students.
