Northern Illinois University's published cost of attendance is $28,851, but need-based aid shifts what families actually pay by a meaningful amount. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $10,126, while middle-income families pay around $12,797, and higher-income families pay approximately $21,834.
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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 is $28,851, but need-based aid shifts what families actually pay by a meaningful amount. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $10,126, while middle-income families pay around $12,797, and higher-income families pay approximately $21,834. Azimuth ranks Northern Illinois University #319 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Northern Illinois University participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and Illinois-specific need-based assistance. The spread between low-income and higher-income net prices reflects meaningful grant and scholarship activity for qualifying students, though the gap is narrower than at institutions with larger endowments or more aggressive institutional aid programs. Families are encouraged to review the net price illusion — published sticker prices and actual net prices can differ substantially depending on household income and aid eligibility. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $22,162, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $19,508; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $64,583, median federal debt of $22,162 projects to a monthly payment of about $250 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Northern Illinois University earn median 4-year earnings of $64,583, placing Northern Illinois University in the 64.4 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $6,142 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 79.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Northern Illinois University #518 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Psychology, General reports 193 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $49,669, ranked #200 nationally in its major. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs reports 153 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $55,778, ranked #9 nationally in its major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 149 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $73,176, ranked #126 nationally in its major. Computer Science reports 132 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $93,438, ranked #125 nationally in its major.
