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.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,851 |
| Tuition and Fees | $13,248 |
| Room and Board | $14,160 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$15,460 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,391 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,126 |
| $30–48k | $9,854 |
| $48–75k | $12,797 |
| $75–110k | $17,612 |
| $110k+ | $21,834 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Northern Illinois University graduates carry a median debt of $22,162, positioning slightly above the peer median of $20,000 by $2,162. Student debt ranges from $8,517 at the 25th percentile to $27,644 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation in borrowing patterns across students and programs.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 remains manageable, with annual debt payments representing approximately 38% of first-year earnings or less than typical mortgage payment ratios. Parent PLUS borrowers carry a median debt of $17,082 with monthly payments averaging $225, though families should evaluate this burden relative to their specific income situations.
The debt levels reflect Northern Illinois University's moderate cost structure and financial aid effectiveness, though students benefit from understanding borrowing implications early in their college planning. Debt outcomes vary by program, with higher-earning fields like engineering and technology supporting larger debt loads more comfortably than lower-earning social service fields.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Northern Illinois University delivers exceptional return on educational investment through substantial earnings beyond expectations. Graduates earn $24,393 more than predicted based on their backgrounds, ranking at the 95.9th percentile nationally and representing excellent-tier value creation.
This earnings uplift, combined with moderate debt levels, creates favorable investment conditions for most students. Median earnings of $57,808 support manageable debt service, while the progressive cost structure ensures affordability across income levels.
The university's Mobility Engine designation reflects this strong investment profile, where access combines with outcomes to support economic advancement. Students should view Northern Illinois University as delivering superior value relative to alternatives, particularly given the institution's effectiveness in serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students.
Northern Illinois University serves 45.6% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average and reflecting the institution's commitment to lower-income student access. The university's financial aid savings average $14,305 per student, covering 52.5% of published costs and demonstrating substantial institutional investment in affordability.
Net prices ranging from $9,047 for lowest-income families to $21,307 for highest-income families show progressive aid distribution that concentrates benefits toward students with greatest financial need. The aid structure supports Northern Illinois University's role as a Mobility Engine institution, where educational access translates into economic advancement for diverse student populations.
Students from families earning under $75,000 annually receive particularly generous aid packages, with net prices well below the institutional average. This aid concentration aligns with the university's high first-generation share of 38.3% and demonstrates institutional commitment to supporting students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in higher education.
