Education at Northern Illinois University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Northern Illinois University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northern Illinois University graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 23th percentile of all education masters programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Education masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Illinois University | $50,338 | — | — | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $62,620 | — | — | — |
| North Park University | $57,383 | $60,968 | — | — |
| Quincy University | $52,088 | $52,918 | — | — |
| McKendree University | $50,945 | $49,172 | — | — |
| National Median | $56,157 | — | — | — |
Other Education Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $62,620 | — |
| North Park University Chicago | $35,325 | $57,383 | — |
| Quincy University Quincy | $35,740 | $52,088 | — |
| McKendree University Lebanon | $34,070 | $50,945 | — |
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 Northern Illinois University, approximately 46% 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.