Public Administration at Northern Illinois University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Northern Illinois University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northern Illinois University graduates earn $63k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all public administration 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
Public Administration masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Illinois University | $62,849 | $67,394 | — | — |
| Northwestern University | $73,260 | $95,107 | — | — |
| DePaul University | $65,378 | $71,026 | — | — |
| University of Illinois Springfield | $61,014 | $61,085 | — | — |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $59,815 | $68,217 | — | — |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | $51,703 | $51,256 | — | — |
| National Median | $58,582 | — | — | — |
Other Public Administration Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $73,260 | — |
| DePaul University Chicago | $44,460 | $65,378 | — |
| University of Illinois Springfield Springfield | $12,252 | $61,014 | — |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $14,338 | $59,815 | — |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville | $12,922 | $51,703 | — |
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.