Northern Illinois University vs Governors State University: which has better ROI?
Governors State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $49,316 in 5 years versus 5.7 years at Northern Illinois University, on median earnings of $58,169 vs $57,808 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northern Illinois University | Governors State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,391 | $12,329 |
| Total net cost | $53,564 | $49,316 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,808 | $58,169 |
| Median debt | $22,162 | $18,618 |
| Payback | 5.7 yrs | 5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $135,396 | $146,864 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northern Illinois University or Governors State University?
Governors State University, at $12,329 a year after aid versus $13,391 — a gap of $1,062 a year, or $4,248 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 Governors State University graduates earn more?
Governors State University graduates report a median $58,169 ten years after entry, $361 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 Governors State University?
Governors State University: its completers carry a median $18,618 in federal loans versus $22,162 at Northern Illinois University, a difference of $3,544. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
49% of students finish at Northern Illinois University, against 22% at Governors State 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.