Northern Illinois University vs Benedictine University: which has better ROI?
Northern Illinois University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,564 in 5.7 years versus 5.9 years at Benedictine University, on median earnings of $57,808 vs $63,446 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northern Illinois University | Benedictine University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,391 | $22,313 |
| Total net cost | $53,564 | $89,252 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,808 | $63,446 |
| Median debt | $22,162 | $22,500 |
| Payback | 5.7 yrs | 5.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $135,396 | $212,468 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northern Illinois University or Benedictine University?
Northern Illinois University, at $13,391 a year after aid versus $22,313 — a gap of $8,922 a year, or $35,688 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Northern Illinois University or Benedictine University graduates earn more?
Benedictine University graduates report a median $63,446 ten years after entry, $5,638 more than the $57,808 at Northern 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, Northern Illinois University or Benedictine University?
Northern Illinois University: its completers carry a median $22,162 in federal loans versus $22,500 at Benedictine University, a difference of $338. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
50% of students finish at Benedictine University, against 49% at Northern 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.