Eastern Illinois University vs Northeastern Illinois University: which has better ROI?
Eastern Illinois University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $51,144 in 14.1 years versus 14.6 years at Northeastern Illinois University, on median earnings of $51,989 vs $52,234 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Eastern Illinois University | Northeastern Illinois University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,786 | $14,109 |
| Total net cost | $51,144 | $56,436 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,989 | $52,234 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $14,600 |
| Payback | 14.1 yrs | 14.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $21,436 | $21,044 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Illinois University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Eastern Illinois University, at $12,786 a year after aid versus $14,109 — a gap of $1,323 a year, or $5,292 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Eastern Illinois University or Northeastern Illinois University graduates earn more?
Northeastern Illinois University graduates report a median $52,234 ten years after entry, $245 more than the $51,989 at Eastern Illinois University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Eastern Illinois University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University: its completers carry a median $14,600 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Eastern Illinois University, a difference of $6,900. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
47% of students finish at Eastern Illinois University, against 22% at Northeastern Illinois University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.