Analysis
Similar Mathematics programs in Illinois suggest first-year earnings around $52,600 for this degree, with Northeastern Illinois graduates earning slightly more by year four at $55,755. The debt load is the real story here: at $14,781, it's about $6,000 below the state median and nearly $7,000 below the national median for math degrees. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28, graduates from comparable programs could theoretically pay off their loans in less than four months of first-year earnings.
The earnings estimates place this program squarely in the middle of Illinois's math degree landscape—well below Chicago and Northwestern's elite outcomes, but competitive with state schools and similar to what DePaul produces. The real advantage is cost. Over half of Northeastern Illinois students receive Pell grants, and the institution appears to deliver math preparation without the debt burden common at peer institutions.
For families weighing this option, the combination of below-average debt and middle-of-the-pack earnings from peer programs suggests solid value, particularly if your child plans to pursue graduate school or teaching. The relatively modest debt leaves room for those next steps without financial strain. Just understand these earnings figures come from similar programs statewide, not Northeastern Illinois specifically—the school's small graduating cohorts prevent the DOE from publishing actual outcomes.
Where Northeastern Illinois University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Illinois University | — | $55,755 | — |
| University of Chicago | $100,421 | $107,611 | +7% |
| Northwestern University | $79,530 | $85,521 | +8% |
| DePaul University | $55,586 | $75,420 | +36% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $48,728 | $71,197 | +46% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (48 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago | $12,383 | $52,597* | $55,755 | $14,781 | — |
 University of ChicagoChicago | $66,939 | $100,421* | $107,611 | $12,000 | 0.12 |
 Northwestern UniversityEvanston | $65,997 | $79,530* | $85,521 | $12,418 | 0.16 |
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $55,586* | $75,420 | $26,154 | 0.47 |
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $52,597* | $56,681 | $20,309 | 0.39 |
 McKendree UniversityLebanon | $34,070 | $51,157* | $51,631 | $21,750 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Northeastern Illinois University, approximately 54% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.