Northeastern Illinois University
Northeastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 74.6%, an average net price of $9,377, and an overall rank of #1382 (Grade B-). About 25.2% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $60,210 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Northeastern Illinois University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and 52.3% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 116.3%, roughly 66.4 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Northeastern Illinois University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Northeastern Illinois University graduates 25.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 45.3% and keeps 52.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Northeastern Illinois University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $14,193 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $12,743 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,920 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,810 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,338 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $23,570 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 57.5% of Northeastern Illinois University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,795 to $12,695 depending on family income. Use Northeastern Illinois University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $11,854/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $12,695/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $60,210
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,278
- Average Years to Graduate 5.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~24.9%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 56.3%
- Employment Rate 89.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Northeastern Illinois University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Northeastern Illinois University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Northeastern Illinois University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Northeastern Illinois University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Northeastern Illinois University graduates report median earnings of $60,210 five years after graduation, 2% below the national median. The 116.3% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,982
- Full-Time Students 63.7%
- Part-Time Students 36.3%
- Retention Rate 52.3%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 25.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 45.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Northeastern Illinois University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Northeastern Illinois University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 74.6%, Northeastern Illinois University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 74.6% acceptance rate, Northeastern Illinois University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Northeastern Illinois University undergraduates. Computer Science, Social Work, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Computer Science 9.7%
- Social Work 9.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 9.3%
- Psychology, General 8.4%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 8.2%
- Biology, General 6.0%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.3%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $88,687
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $76,703
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $73,577
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $70,751
- 5. Mathematics $70,277
- 6. Economics $70,006
- 7. Marketing $67,653
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,055
- 9. Business/Commerce, General $61,026
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $59,301
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $93,568
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $91,271
- 3. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $80,539
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $72,538
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $70,458
- 6. Social Work (Master's Degree) $66,198
- 7. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $64,917
- 8. Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies (Master's Degree) $56,690
- 9. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree) $53,637
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $88,687—50% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($59,301). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $93,568 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Northeastern Illinois University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 103 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 100 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 98 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 89 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 87 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (39 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Business/Commerce, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Sociology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Music
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Public Health
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- International/Globalization Studies
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (30 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer Science
- Accounting and Related Services
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Social Sciences, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
- Area Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Music
- Biology, General
- History
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Communication and Media Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Public Health
- Gerontology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Psychology, Other
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,982
- Full-Time Students 63.7%
- Part-Time Students 36.3%
- Male Students 42.7%
- Female Students 57.3%
- Caucasian 15.8%
- Asian 7.7%
- Hispanic 52.3%
- Black 12.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 57.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Northeastern Illinois University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Northeastern Illinois University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Northeastern Illinois University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Northeastern Illinois University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Northeastern Illinois University has a diverse student body, with 15.8% identifying as White. 57.5% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Northeastern Illinois University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Northeastern Illinois University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Northeastern Illinois University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1382 overall with a 116.3% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $9,377 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $60,210 median earnings. The 25.2% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 52.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Northeastern Illinois University's Strengths
Ranked #1382 with a B- grade, Northeastern Illinois University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Northeastern Illinois University excel at providing affordable education ($9,377 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Northeastern Illinois University's 52.3% retention and 25.2% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($60,210 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Northeastern Illinois University's 116.3% ROI and $9,377 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 25.2% graduation rate sits 37.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 52.3% first-year retention is 24.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 116.3% return on investment is 66.4 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $60,210 run about 2% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $9,377 is roughly $10,504 lower than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 52.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.6% employment rate within three years sits 21.4 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Northeastern Illinois University, a public university in Chicago, IL, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1382 overall Grades by category break down as Completion C-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability A.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 52.3% retention, 25.2% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 45.3% earning an award within eight years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 116.3%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $9,377 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $23,570.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,193 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 57.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $60,210 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 2% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.6%.
Plan around an ROI of about 116.3% according to U.S. Department of Education data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
74.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Northeastern Illinois University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Northeastern Illinois University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/northeastern-illinois-university/
MLA (9th): “Northeastern Illinois University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/northeastern-illinois-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Northeastern Illinois University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/northeastern-illinois-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northeastern Illinois University's acceptance rate?
Northeastern Illinois University's acceptance rate is 74.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Northeastern Illinois University cost?
At Northeastern Illinois University, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $9,377 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $23,570 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $12,743. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Northeastern Illinois University's ranking?
Northeastern Illinois University ranks #1382 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Northeastern Illinois University's graduation rate?
At Northeastern Illinois University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 25.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 45.3%, and first-year retention is 52.3%.
What are Northeastern Illinois University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Northeastern Illinois University report median earnings of $60,210 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Northeastern Illinois University's student population?
Northeastern Illinois University enrolls about 3,982 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 5500 N Saint Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625-4699
- Website www.neiu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$13.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate46.8%