Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,734
62nd percentile
Sample Size
23
Limited data

Earnings Distribution

How Northern Illinois University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Northern Illinois University graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all human development, family studies, masters programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Human Development, Family Studies, masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (5 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northern Illinois University$48,734$55,371
University of Illinois Chicago$55,655$59,948
Erikson Institute$47,889$49,759
National Louis University$47,754$53,290
National Median$47,754

Other Human Development, Family Studies, Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago
$14,338$55,655
Erikson Institute
Chicago
$47,889
National Louis University
Chicago
$12,345$47,754

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.