Northeastern Illinois University vs Rockford University: which has better ROI?
Rockford University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $89,744 in 13.9 years versus 14.6 years at Northeastern Illinois University, on median earnings of $54,794 vs $52,234 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northeastern Illinois University | Rockford University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,109 | $22,436 |
| Total net cost | $56,436 | $89,744 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,234 | $54,794 |
| Median debt | $14,600 | $22,274 |
| Payback | 14.6 yrs | 13.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $21,044 | $38,936 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northeastern Illinois University or Rockford University?
Northeastern Illinois University, at $14,109 a year after aid versus $22,436 — a gap of $8,327 a year, or $33,308 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Northeastern Illinois University or Rockford University graduates earn more?
Rockford University graduates report a median $54,794 ten years after entry, $2,560 more than the $52,234 at Northeastern 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, Northeastern Illinois University or Rockford University?
Northeastern Illinois University: its completers carry a median $14,600 in federal loans versus $22,274 at Rockford University, a difference of $7,674. 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 Rockford 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.