
5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625-4699, USA


Graduation rates at Northeastern Illinois University are notably low when compared nationally. The overall graduation rate stands at 17%, placing the university in the bottom 5% of institutions. Male students graduate at a rate of 14%, while female students graduate at a slightly higher rate of 19%, both also within the lowest 5% percentile. The four-year graduation rate is particularly low at just 4%, again in the bottom 5%, indicating that only a small fraction of students complete their programs within the expected timeframe. Similarly, the six-year graduation rate remains low at 17%, reflecting extended completion times for many students.
The university's retention rate, which measures the percentage of students returning after their first year, is 61%. This is considered low and ranks in roughly the bottom 15% nationally, suggesting challenges in maintaining student enrollment beyond initial terms. These numbers emphasize that students considering Northeastern Illinois University should prepare for potential delays in degree completion and carefully assess their academic plans and support resources available to increase their likelihood of graduation.
Graduates from Northeastern Illinois University experience a wide range of earnings depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in Computer Science, who can expect an average annual income of $52,326. Mathematics graduates also fare well, earning approximately $47,552, while those specializing in Teacher Education and Professional Development in Specific Subject Areas see an average income of $46,798.
Students pursuing careers in accounting and financial management tend to earn solid salaries, with Accounting and Related Services graduates making around $44,263 and Finance and Financial Management Services graduates earning $43,581 on average. Marketing alumni also enjoy competitive earnings near $40,642, closely followed by Economics graduates with an average income of $39,577 and Business/Commerce, General degree holders who earn roughly $39,232.
Other professional fields offer moderate returns; for instance, Teacher Education and Professional Development focused on specific levels and methods pay about $42,527, and Public Administration and Social Service Professions yield average earnings of $39,637. Those holding degrees in Business Administration, Management and Operations earn around $38,519, and Human Resources Management and Services graduates make about $37,949.
Graduates in social sciences and humanities such as Political Science and Government report incomes near $35,711, while Sociology majors earn on average $33,682. Those who studied Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities receive about $34,313, and Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates report earnings around $32,597. Fields related to communication, like Communication and Media Studies, yield incomes approximately $30,555. English Language and Literature and Biology graduates have similar earning potential, with $31,682 and $31,641 respectively.
Other modest earning areas include Social Work at $32,165, History at $30,685, and Psychology, General at $29,483. Meanwhile, degrees in Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions generally lead to lower average earnings near $24,112.
Career Centers:
Full time employees: Data not available
Part time employees: Data not available
Career Counselling:
Individual: All undergraduates
Group: All undergraduates
Career Center services:
Other information:
Job bank on campus
YesJob fairs on campus
YesIndividual job placement
All undergraduatesOn campus employer recruitment
All undergraduatesBACHELOR’S Degree
Natural Resources and Conservation
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
English Language and Literature/Letters
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Physical Sciences
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
History
MASTER’S Degree
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
English Language and Literature/Letters
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Physical Sciences
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
History