Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degree) at Northern Illinois University

Analysis

Northern Illinois University's Management Sciences program tells a tale of two benchmarks. While graduates earn about $11,000 less than the national median for this field, they're actually outearning most Illinois peers—landing at the 60th percentile statewide with first-year salaries around $51,000. Given that many Illinois students will choose in-state options for cost reasons, this middle-tier state performance matters more than the national comparison suggests.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $21,600, translating to a 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable for a business-oriented degree. Earnings growth of 19% by year four pushes graduates past $60,000, suggesting the quantitative skills taught here gain value with experience. The moderate sample size means these numbers reflect a real cohort, not just a handful of outliers.

For families comparing Illinois options, NIU offers a pragmatic choice: not the premium salaries of U of I or North Central College, but solid mid-career trajectory at below-average debt. If your student isn't chasing the state's top programs and values affordability, this delivers predictable outcomes without excessive financial burden.

Where Northern Illinois University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Northern Illinois University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Northern Illinois University	$51,128	$60,593	+19%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	$72,527	$86,860	+20%
National Louis University	$59,084	$68,572	+16%
Roosevelt University	$48,715	$67,362	+38%
University of St Francis	$45,735	$63,636	+39%

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (20 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb	$12,700	$51,128	$60,593	$21,600	0.42
North Central CollegeNaperville	$44,394	$85,168	—	$26,851	0.32
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign	$16,004	$72,527	$86,860	$21,000	0.29
National Louis UniversityChicago	$12,345	$59,084	$68,572	$26,094	0.44
Benedictine UniversityLisle	$34,290	$58,820	—	$25,000	0.43
DePaul UniversityChicago	$44,460	$51,522	$62,488	$24,500	0.48
National Median	—	$62,069	—	$23,250	0.37

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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.

Sample Size: Based on 99 graduates with reported earnings and 95 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.