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Colleges / IL / Dekalb
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Northern Illinois University

Public Dekalb, IL · Suburban · Great Lakes · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
49%
Graduation Rate
$57,808
Earnings (10yr)
$13,391
Net Price
70%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Nearly 11,301 students call Northern Illinois University home, with a 70% acceptance rate making it accessible for many. This large public university offers diverse programs, particularly strong in Business, Health Professions, and Education.

When examining outcomes, Northern Illinois University graduates earn an average of $57,808 within ten years of completing their degrees. While the graduation rate sits at 49%, the school plays a significant role in helping students from lower-income backgrounds, with 47% of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. This indicates a commitment to supporting those who may need additional financial assistance.

The net price for attending Northern Illinois University is approximately $13,391, with median debt for graduates around $22,162. Students who thrive here typically pursue degrees in practical fields like Engineering and Psychology. The combination of affordability and potential earning power makes this university a solid choice for those focused on their future careers.

Rankings

How Northern Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation49%Earnings 10yr$58KNet Price$13KRetention70%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate47%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$10K$0-30K$10K$30-48K$13K$48-75K$22K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%538.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3033.4%MOBILITY163.47%

Cost & Financial Aid

$13,248
In-State Tuition
$13,248
Out-of-State
$13,391
Avg Net Price
$22,162
Median Debt
47%
Pell Grant Rate
47%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$10,126
Family Income $0–$30K
$9,854
Family Income $30K–$48K
$12,797
Family Income $48K–$75K
$21,834
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$46,113
6 Years After Entry
$51,305
8 Years
$57,808
10 Years
0.38x
Debt-to-Earnings
71%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$46,113 6yr $51,305 8yr $57,808 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

163.47%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3033.4%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
538.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$97,700
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.59
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.504%
Inventor Rate
116
Total Patents
137
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 70%
Retention Rate 70%
Full-Time Faculty 75%
Faculty Salary (mo) $11,060
Diversity Index 0.71
First-Gen Students 38%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 18%
Health Professions 14%
Education 10%
Psychology 9%
Engineering 8%
Social Sciences 5%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
Computer Science & IT 5%