DePaul University vs Northern Illinois University
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| DePaul University Chicago, IL | Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Strong return | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | +80% | +208% |
| 10-year net gain | $105,339 | $128,000 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $68,739 | $63,964 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $50,767 | $45,982 |
| Average net price | $30,902 | $13,391 |
| Median debt | $23,168 | $22,162 |
| Break-even | 5.6 yrs | 3.3 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 68% | 49% |
| Admission rate | 76% | 70% |
DePaul University
Strong return
+$105,339 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Northern Illinois University
Strong return
+$128,000 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.