Northeastern Illinois University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; freshman retention is below 65%. 54% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
Northeastern Illinois University is a public institution located in Chicago, Illinois with approximately 3,869 undergraduate students enrolled. Northeastern Illinois University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 70%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,550 per year. The graduation rate is 17%, and the typical graduate earns $41,900 within 10 years of enrollment.
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is a public university in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1867 by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, it was established as the first teacher training school in Cook County. NEIU is both a Hispanic-serving institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution. The main campus is located in the Chicago area of North Park with two other additional campuses in Chicago. NEIU has one of the longest-running free-form community radio stations, WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM.
The numbers here tell a concerning story: only 17% of students graduate, and fewer than two-thirds of freshmen return for sophomore year, which are serious red flags worth understanding before enrolling. On the positive side, the average net price of $13,550/year and low median debt of under $12,000 make this one of the more affordable options in Chicago, and its urban location offers real access to internships and professional networks. Worth considering if you're a commuter student seeking a low-cost degree path, but have a clear plan to stay on track — most students who start here don't finish.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,869 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 N Saint Louis Ave
Chicago, IL 60625-4699
Official Links
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Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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