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Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois — 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., 60115-2828

Annual Tuition $12,700
Enrollment 11,277
Acceptance Rate 70.5%
Median Salary $57,808

Northern Illinois University is a leading Public institution located in Dekalb, Illinois. Established to provide high-quality education, Northern Illinois University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Northern Illinois University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Dekalb, Illinois
Type Public
Total Enrollment 11,277 students
Median Salary $57,808

Northern Illinois University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Northern Illinois University
Location Dekalb, Illinois
Official Website https://www.niu.edu/
Address 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy.
Dekalb, IL 60115-2828
Institution Type Public
Total Students 11,277

Northern Illinois University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 70.5% Moderately Open
Avg. SAT Score N/A
ACT Midpoint N/A

Northern Illinois University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $12,700
Out-of-State Tuition $12,700
Pell Grant Rate 45.6%
Median Debt (Completers) $22,162

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Northern Illinois University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $9,047/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $9,740/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $12,674/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $17,806/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $9,047 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Northern Illinois University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Educational Administration and Supervision. salary after Northern Illinois University

Doctoral Degree
High earning
2yr salary $98,186 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
4yr: $143,908
2

Business Administration, Management and Operations. salary after Northern Illinois University

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $91,587 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $85,140 4yr: $111,286
3

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after Northern Illinois University

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $88,920 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $107,425 4yr: $104,614

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Northern Illinois University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

70.5% Moderately Open

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 11,277
Undergrad 7,131
Retention Rate 70.4% full-time
Full-Time Students 87.7%

Courses and Academic Programs at Northern Illinois University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 377
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 348
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 344
Communication and Media Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 324
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs.
Bachelor's
Graduates 321
Accounting and Related Services.
Bachelor's
Graduates 309
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Master's
Graduates 289
Marketing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 277
Computer Science.
Bachelor's
Graduates 262
Mechanical Engineering.
Bachelor's
Graduates 243
Showing top 10 of 127 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Northern Illinois University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $57,808 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $46,113
Graduation Rate 49.7% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Northern Illinois University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $46,113
10 Years After Entry $57,808
Is Northern Illinois University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $12,909
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $57,808
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 914700%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Northern Illinois University

Total Students 11,277
Undergrad 7,131
Graduate 4,146
Retention Rate 70.4% full-time

Gender Breakdown

53%
47%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 87.7%
Part-time
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
42.1%
Hispanic
25.1%
Black
21.3%
Asian
6.6%
Two or More Races
2.2%
International
1.4%
Unknown / Unreported
0.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.5%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 38.3%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 64%
🎖️
Veterans 0.5%
💍
Married Students 3.7%
📅
Students Age 25+ 9.8%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 42.9%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $75,712
Average Family Income $56,267
Median Family Income $39,109

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.1%
51.9%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 45.6% of students
Federal Loan Rate 48.9% of students
Avg Net Price $12,909 after aid
Median Debt $22,162 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $22,162
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $8,517
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $27,644

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Northern Illinois University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Northern Illinois University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 49.7%
Median Graduate Salary $57,808
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Northern Illinois University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Northern Illinois University

Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Illinois University

What is the acceptance rate at Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70.5%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Northern Illinois University?

Tuition at Northern Illinois University is $12,700 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Northern Illinois University?

Graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median salary of $57,808 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Northern Illinois University located?

Northern Illinois University is located at 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb, Illinois 60115-2828. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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