# Northern Illinois University

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-illinois-university

## Overview

- **Location:** Dekalb, IL
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Suburban
- **Region:** Great Lakes
- **Enrollment:** 11,301
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's
- **Hispanic-Serving Institution:** Yes

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.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 70% |
| SAT Average | N/A |
| ACT Midpoint | N/A |

## Cost & Aid

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

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $10,126 |
| $30K-$48K | $9,854 |
| $48K-$75K | $12,797 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $21,834 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 49% |
| Retention Rate | 70% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $46,113 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $51,305 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $57,808 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.38x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Mobility (Opportunity Insights)

Data source: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Mobility Rate (Q1→Q5) | 163.47% |
| Success Rate (bottom 20% → top 20%) | 3033.4% |
| Students from Bottom 20% | 538.9% |
| Parent Median Income | $97,700 |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.59 |
| Friending Bias | 0.01 |
| Volunteering Rate | 6.1% |
| Support Ratio | 0.98 |

## Innovation (Opportunity Insights Patent Data)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Inventor Rate | 0.504% |
| Total Patents | 116 |
| Total Citations | 137 |

## Top Programs

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

## Rankings

This school appears in 14 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #6 in [Best Engineering Colleges in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-illinois)
- #8 in [Best Education Colleges in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-education-illinois)
- #8 in [Best Psychology Colleges in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-psychology-illinois)
- #9 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-illinois)
- #9 in [Best Master's Programs in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-illinois)
- #10 in [Best Colleges in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-illinois)
- #11 in [Best Communications Colleges in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-illinois)
- #11 in [Best MBA Programs in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mba-illinois)
- #13 in [Best Computer Science Colleges in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-illinois)
- #13 in [Best Business Colleges in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-illinois)
- #13 in [Best Data Science Colleges in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-illinois)
- #15 in [Best Nursing Colleges in Illinois](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-illinois)
- #29 in [Best Colleges in Great Lakes](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-great-lakes)
- #47 in [Best Colleges for Low-Income Students](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-low-income)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Northern Illinois University — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-illinois-university