Is Northern Illinois University Worth It?
Dekalb, IL · Small suburb · 11,301 students · Data: College Scorecard, June 2026 release
Northern Illinois University is a R2 Research University located in small suburb in Dekalb, IL. It enrolls approximately 11,301 students. The acceptance rate is 70%, making it broadly accessible. 49% of students finish within 6 years (150% of normal time) — mediocre — worth asking why. With $57,808 median earnings and $22,162 median debt, median debt equals about 5 months of gross pay (estimate) — a solid ROI. 60% of borrowers are making progress on their loans 3 years after leaving school (College Scorecard).
No published FIRE survey data for this school, so we don't rate its politics. See surveyed campuses →
Source: FIRE 2027 College Free Speech Rankings (student survey fielded 2026 by College Pulse)
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